Developer recipe

[Blighty]

Anyone know of a developer recipe that will work well with Ilford Multigrade paper. I tried Ilford's ID20 but the prints were somewhat lacking in D-max. Preferably something that doesn't use Glycin, because it costs a fortune over here in the UK. Many thanks, BLIGHTY

 

[craigclu]

This is interesting reading. I've come to like using Ryuji's DS-14 with Ilford MG but I'm not sure about access to the Dimezone-S for you.

http://silvergrain.org/Photo-Tech/print-dev-recommend.html

I haven't tried the DS-15 that uses Metol instead.

 

[John Bartley]

Anyone know of a developer recipe that will work well with Ilford Multigrade paper. I tried Ilford's ID20 but the prints were somewhat lacking in D-max. Preferably something that doesn't use Glycin, because it costs a fortune over here in the UK. Many thanks, BLIGHTY

I use Kodak PolymaxT (only because when I started that is what was suggested to me) when I'm only doing paper, but if I'm doing both film and paper on the same day, I use the same divided D23 for both film and paper and I mix it from dry chemicals - seems to work well.

cheers

 

[Ian Grant]

Try ID-78 it's posted on the Chemistry pages here.

It works well with Multigrade paper and has a good shelf & dish life.

 

[Blighty]

Thanks chaps (and chapesses). I think I'll try mixing up some ID78 and take it from there. Regards, BLIGHTY.

 

[fhovie]

There is a recipe for PC-TEA print developer in the formula section. I am using that now for anything but AZO. It is almost safe enough to drink and eventually you start to wonder what all that skin exposure is doing to you. It is also pretty cost effective - the main component is a mixture of TEA Phenidone (very little) and citric acid - It keeps very well - It is mixed with water and sulfite and some other powders to make the working solution. It keeps about a month in an airtight bottle and a liter is good for about 40 8x10 sheets. It is an experience to make - using the kitchen stove and all but it works great, lasts long, gives great blacks and is cheap.