Easy, classic paper developer recipe?

BetterSense · Apr 8, 2012

I usually use Xtol. However, if I happen to run out of commercial developer, I know I can always mix up some D23 because I keep a big tub of sodium sulfite and metol on hand.

I recently ran out of Dektol, and realized that I should probably have a similar system for paper developer. What's a simple, reasonably-close-to-Dektol formula for paper developer? I mostly use RC paper.

removed account4 · Apr 9, 2012

juan simmons ( a fellow appugger ! ) has a
great set or recipes on his website
dektol is d72
http://www.simmonsphotos.com/Formulas/Paper/KodakD72.html
(there is other stuff there too that you might like )

tkamiya · Apr 9, 2012

I know this does not answer your question but how about just keeping extra real stuff on hand?

My method is to keep a year supply of everything on hand. It costs a bit to get this started but then I just replenish what I use so my maintenance order is inexpensive. I typically keep 2 to 3 bags of every chemicals on hand, in stock, at any given time. Same goes for film as well.

Oxleyroad · Apr 9, 2012

tkamiya said:
I know this does not answer your question but how about just keeping extra real stuff on hand?

My method is to keep a year supply of everything on hand. It costs a bit to get this started but then I just replenish what I use so my maintenance order is inexpensive. I typically keep 2 to 3 bags of every chemicals on hand, in stock, at any given time. Same goes for film as well.

I do the same. I started by slowly buying extra each time I needed something. I find it to be an absolute necessity given the stock levels held by retailers here in Oz.

BradS · Apr 10, 2012

As John has already suggested: D-72 is an excellent substitute for Dektol.

Keith Tapscott. · Apr 11, 2012

With the same basic constituents, you can make up several classic paper developers such as Kodak D-72 or D-163 and Ilford ID-20. Whether you will see any significant difference between them is another matter. They all work well.

BTW, the sodium carbonate in the formula for Kodak D-72 in the link provided by jnanian is for the anhydrous form, not the monohydrate.

Steve Smith · Apr 11, 2012

Rodinal was originally intended for paper as well as film so perhaps the Parodinal recipe fits the bill.

Steve.

Ian Grant · Apr 11, 2012

Steve Smith said:
Rodinal was originally intended for paper as well as film so perhaps the Parodinal recipe fits the bill.
Steve.

Rodinal was indeed sold as a film & paper developer as were it's clones Kodinol, Certinal, azol etc, just use it or Parodinal at a higher concentration try 1+9 (1:10) to start with for papers.

Ian

Keith Tapscott. · Apr 11, 2012

Steve Smith said:
Rodinal was originally intended for paper as well as film so perhaps the Parodinal recipe fits the bill.

Steve.

Historically of interest, but the OP asked for a home brewed equivalent to Kodak Dektol and D-72 appears to be the best option.
Rodinal is very versatile it seems.

Steve Smith · Apr 11, 2012

Keith Tapscott. said:
Historically of interest, but the OP asked for a home brewed equivalent to Kodak Dektol and D-72 appears to be the best option.

He did but he might not have known about Rodinal's historical use for paper and possibly might have learned something and become interested in trying it.

I suggested it because it is a fairly easy recipe to make with easily sourced ingredients.

If no one mentions these things then people don't find out about them.

Or he could just ignore it!!!

Steve.

BetterSense · Apr 11, 2012

Well, I don't currently stock hydroquinone. I guess I should, since a lot of formulas use it.

Easy, classic paper developer recipe?

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