Ethol LPD

Looking for advice/experience with ethol LPD. I just mixed up a batch from the can and am looking for input. Thanks

Ron: LPD is one of my favorite paper developers - the other is Ansco 130, which I've used over the past four years. I've only used LPD since mid summer and I think the range of tones is about as good as Ansco 130. Both have a long tray life (I dump mine after each printing session). I do like the ability to change the print tone from more neutral to a warmer tone by changing the dilution ratio. With Kentmere Fineprint VC and Emaks I generally use a 1:3 ratio for 2 1/2 at 70 deg. F.

have been using it for many many years,

we use it for our classes at 1:4, it can be diluted at different ratios with various papers for a change in tone. as has already been mention it has great tray life.

what kind of advice are you looking for?

A perfect developer.

Dilution control the development time.

Shorter time, warmer tones.

Have fun !

ann said:

what kind of advice are you looking for?

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do you use distilled water to mix like it says on the can, or is it OK to go for (filtered) tap water?

thanks,
C.

I reuse the working solution, it's good for a while. Also, i'll tend to add new stock to the working solution. Even when the developer turns brown it still works well.

Also, try to use it at or around 20C if not a bit warmer and be sure to let your prints sit for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. At least that is my mantra.
It's great stuff, I swear by it. Glad to hear that it compares favorably to Ansco 130, that's a developer i've been wanting to try for a long time.

I agree w/all previous posters. Especially tray life. I usually float another same size tray on top of little used solution for up to a week. Have diluted from 1:1 up to 1:6. I use tap water. Nice warm tones w/Ilford WTFB at 1:4 - 1:6.

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More info

Tap Water is fine.
It is less contrasty than Dektol, which is good.
It is right in the middle between Dektol and Selectol Soft/120

It is like D-52, it is like 130 (without the HQ)

As taught back in the '60s, I decant 20% of the volume of the working solution,
which I add to the new working solution. So, if I use 1.2 liters, I'll make a liter fresh, and add the old stuff.
It is just 'seasoning' and makes it easier to match the prints over a long run.

It supports factorial development, a lot of liquid developers don't.

You can also get dead cold tones. A great, great, great developer.

just tap water.

I switched to using this full time this past year. Combined with the Foma papers, the results are fantastic. My main RC paper is Foma 333, and recently received some of the last batch of 542 to print on. Will be ordering more in the coming year, everything is readily available from Freestyle.

I still have a box of 8x10/100 Fotokemika Varycon to use up as well. LPD really delivers a punch, and I'm thankful to Luvdatrodinal Dorothy for turning me onto it.

Rolleijoe