Easily Available Rodinal Alternatives In Britain?

Andy K · Dec 29, 2005

I use Rodinal because it is economical and I like the negs it produces. I have tried Ilford DD-X but cost for cost Rodinal is cheaper to use.

I am now finding it very difficult to find Rodinal due to Agfa kicking the bucket (Jessops no longer even list Rodinal). So what are the alternatives and where can I buy them in Britain?

Schlapp · Dec 29, 2005

Try www.Retrophotographic.co.uk, they have several rodinal clone alternatives.

eagleowl · Dec 29, 2005

retrophotographic

I agree with that.
They list Fomadon R09,which is allegedly the same as Calbe R09,which is supposed to be identical to the pre~war Rodinal formula.

jim appleyard · Dec 29, 2005

You can also make your own. You might find a recipe if you search here at APUG, or you can certainly find one in "The Darkroom Cookbook" by Anchell.

Petzi · Jan 1, 2006

Mail order it in Germany. It is in stock pretty much everywhere. If you need help finding a good online shop, let me know. And it looks like Rodinal will be made in the future. No need to switch.

battra92 · Jan 1, 2006

jim appleyard said:
You can also make your own. You might find a recipe if you search here at APUG, or you can certainly find one in "The Darkroom Cookbook" by Anchell.

I would read the Material Safety Data Sheets before attempting it, myself. When I talked to my Chem prof about it, he thought the aminopheral hydrochloride sounded scary and after reading the MSDS I figured I'd wait for J&C to get more stock or for Photographer's Formulary to make their liquid version available.

Any idea when J&C should have more R09 as I'd really like to try it?

Dave Miller · Jan 1, 2006

Check out Silverprint they are listing both a clone, and recipe for DIY also AREM may still have some left.

Andy K · Jan 1, 2006

Thanks for all the links and information everyone. I have a litre of Agfa Rodinal still on the shelf, but I will buy some RO9 and give it a try. I think it is a good time to be stocking up.

glbeas · Jan 1, 2006

Did you notice the acetominophen recipe Donald Qualls told us of in this forum?(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Seems a good way to go if nothing else is available.

jim appleyard · Jan 1, 2006

battra92 said:
I would read the Material Safety Data Sheets before attempting it, myself. When I talked to my Chem prof about it, he thought the aminopheral hydrochloride sounded scary and after reading the MSDS I figured I'd wait for J&C to get more stock or for Photographer's Formulary to make their liquid version available.

Any idea when J&C should have more R09 as I'd really like to try it?

Yes, reading an MSDS is always a good idea. I have had no problems mixing my own version of Rodinal, but I'm always very careful mixing anything in my darkroom, even something as simple as D-23. Anything can be harmful if not used correctly.

battra92 · Jan 1, 2006

jim appleyard said:
Yes, reading an MSDS is always a good idea. I have had no problems mixing my own version of Rodinal, but I'm always very careful mixing anything in my darkroom, even something as simple as D-23. Anything can be harmful if not used correctly.

True, though when the MSDS states that it should be used only in a chemical hood, well that kind of put me off. I only took one class in CHEM at college and getting back into goggles, using a vent and wearing huge rubber gloves that you use when delivering a calf just wasn't what I wanted to do.

But if you do, the MSDS sheets are a really good idea to read first.

jim appleyard · Jan 2, 2006

I probably should have stated this earlier, but anything nasty like the hydroxides, I always mix outside. I try to make sure that I have enough "Rodinal" on hand in the late fall so I don't have to suddenly mix some at the mercy of the winter weather.

Easily Available Rodinal Alternatives In Britain?

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