Getting back into developing

[KarnyDoc]

The last time I developed a roll of B&W was over 2 decades ago, when I was in college, taking a darkroom course.

Now, I'd like to get back into at least developing my own film, and printing it at a public darkroom. However, I'm at a loss as to which developer would be suitable as an "all-purpose," general developer on which I could effectively standardize for consistency. My thoughts are D-76, partly chosen for price reasons, but I'd like to hear others' recommendations.

Dieter Zakas

 

[markbarendt]

Replenished Xtol is my favorite. Beautiful, Economical, and Easy!

 

[pentaxuser]

I don't think it is any coincidence that colleges standardise on either D76 or ID11 depending on whether they are in the U.S. or U.K. It would seem to meet your criteria.

pentaxuser

 

[Rick A]

I'm a long term D-76 user for almost everything, and its replenishable. I have been experimenting with Pyrocat -HD of late, but not for everything.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Wow, which developer is best. Might as well throw a hundred dollar bill into the middle of the US Congress and start betting on the last one standing.

D76 is awesome I hear, repeatedly, ad nauseum. ( ;P ) No, it comes highly recommended. I use HC110. It keeps forever and easy to mix from syrup for one shot use.

 

[dancqu]

D-76 Can Deliver But ---

But others such as the suggested HC-110 and another,
Rodinal, can also deliver. Those two are used one shot
and both use much less chemistry in the process. Fresh
developer each session eliminates the guess work. Both
as concentrates have VERY long keeping qualities.

For fine grain from slow films Rodinal is the one while
HC-110 is similar to D-76 in being a one developer
which fits all films.

My pick is D-23 which I Home Brew. Dan

 

[Stefan Findel]

And look at this thread: TMY-2 + D23 = ...

 

[Wade D]

I've been using D-76 or an equivalent for 40 years and still stand by it. Good full toned negs and easy to print.

 

[BillBallard]

D76 has been my standard for years; in fact, I just had a recent thread on D76 shelf life as I never kept any around long enough for it to even come close to it's stated working life!

I also use Rodinal from time to time as well.

 

[Ian Grant]

Replenished D76/ID-11 or Xtol is the most economic and also convenient way of working if you shoot enough film.

Ian

 

[MartinCrabtree]

I am in the process of making that decision as well. At this point I am going to do the one camera,lens,film and developer for a year. Anyone use Photographers Formulary TD-16? I've looked at a lot of stuff and like their claim of consistency. Seems like a quality that would help a great deal for a beginner. I won't be printing for awhile due to budgetary constraints.

 

[wclark5179]

I use D-76/ID-11 for most of my films.

My recommendation, get one developer, stick with it until you understand its characteristics, getting the results you want each time you use it.

 

[mopar_guy]

I am in the process of making that decision as well. At this point I am going to do the one camera,lens,film and developer for a year. Anyone use Photographers Formulary TD-16? I've looked at a lot of stuff and like their claim of consistency. Seems like a quality that would help a great deal for a beginner. I won't be printing for awhile due to budgetary constraints.

Martin,

I have used TD-16 and BW-2 developers from Photographer's Formulary for many years. I have gotten great results from both. I highly recommend the TD-16.

Dave

 

[Neal]

Dear Dieter,

There are many good reasons to choose D-76, but cost isn't one of them. Consider your time choosing subjects, traveling, waiting for the right light and all those little extra expenses involved in making the images you want. Then consider your film and paper costs. Anyway you look at it, outside of some toners, chemicals are pretty far down the list.

I hope you find your return to the darkroom enjoyable and rewarding,

Neal Wydra

 

[KarnyDoc]

I use D-76/ID-11 for most of my films.

My recommendation, get one developer, stick with it until you understand its characteristics, getting the results you want each time you use it.

That is my strategy.

Someone once described photography as "a science of variables," and the more one can control, the better.

Dieter

 

[Bruce Osgood]

I would suggest you begin using D-76 until you can discover a reason to change.

 

[Andrew Horodysky]

I normally use XTOL with Tri-X, but you really can't go wrong with D-76 as a great all-round developer. Once in a while, try some Rodinal (1:50), for a change of look and feel.

 

[dancqu]

Variables - One At A Time

Someone once described photography as
"a science of variables," and the more one
can control, the better. Dieter

Considering developers which are reused time and
time agin, any one developer used in one specific
manor is a variable in itself.

Many of those who process film choose long lived
stable concentrates. There are many from which to
choose. Rodinal and HC-110 are mentioned. They
are examples of developers used one-shot.

Another method of eliminating variables within the
developer itself is compounding fresh developer at
home. One highly regarded film developer is D-23;
a two component developer; very easy to brew.

Maintaining consistency can be assured by using
an accurate small capacity scale. Partial batches
are possible. No aging or doubt full chemistry
need go down the drain.

Consider the Home Brew alternative. Dan