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Developer characteristics

Discussion in 'B&W: Film, Paper, Chemistry' started by e_joyner, Dec 11, 2003.

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  1. Dec 11, 2003 #1
    e_joyner

    e_joyner Member

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    Is there a general resource that explains the characteristics of different film developers? i.e. how it affects contrast, grain, etc... I'm a novice, and have very limited experience with developing. In fact, D-76 and TMax developers are the only 2 I've ever used! Convenience is a major factor, so I like to use things that are readily available to me. Any good books or internet resources??? Thanks in advance for any help, sorry if this is a stupid question.

    ~edye
     
  2. Dec 11, 2003 #2
    ann

    ann Subscriber

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    Try Steve Ancell"s book Film Cookbook. Not 100% sure that is the full name. THere is the Darkroom Cookbook and then the one devoted to film. Am sure a search at Amazon will come up with the full title. Perhaps this will fit your description to a tee
     
  3. Dec 12, 2003 #3
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    e_joyner

    e_joyner Member

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    Thank you for the info Ann. I have soooo many questions, I'm trying to pace myself on the number of 'stupid questions' I ask!

    ~edye
     
  4. Dec 12, 2003 #4
    ann

    ann Subscriber

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    There is never a time anyone has all the answers. Life is full of questions so don't ever stop asking.
     
  5. Dec 12, 2003 #5
    Ole

    Ole Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    There are no stupid questions, but some deserve stupid answers, and some get them undeservedly :wink:

    I agree that "The Film Developing Cookbook" by Anchell & Troop is one of the best resources. It is more geared towards the "home chemists" like myself, but for a readable discussion of the properties of different developers I've found none better.
    There's a little bit of it in Ansel Adams' "The Negative", but it leaves me with a niggling doubt whether he really knew what he was talking about. But there are examples there, which there aren't in Anchell&Troop.

    There's also a lot of information right here on APUG, but much of it is hidden deep in the discussions.

    You have but to ask :smile:
     
  6. Dec 12, 2003 #6
    Jorge Oliveira

    Jorge Oliveira Member

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  7. Dec 12, 2003 #7
    Black Dog

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    Ag magazine is very good-any articles by Michael Maunder or Barry Thornton v useful. Also The Darkroom Cookbook by Steve Anchell and Edge of Darkness by Barry Thornton (great pics too).