help me choose a replacement for rodinal.

[darinwc]

Hello,
My local camera store no longer stocks Agfa Rodinal.
I used to use it with fp4+ with nice results. But now I need to find a replacement film/developer combo.

I only develop film occasionally, so I liked the long shelf life and ease of use of Rodinal. I'm not very careful when it comes to exposure, so a compensating developer helps me out. Other than that, I'm open to suggestions.

**I develop mostly 4x5 sheet and roll films now. I tried t-max but I couldnt stand the dye in the film that was impossible to get out.

 

[Soeren]

There should be no need to find a replacement since Rodinal should still be manufactured though I don't know the exact details.
But if you can't get Rodinal try to find the R09 from either ADOX or Calbe. Thos are said to be the original formula 09 UrRodinal. Search this site for the Rodinal threads, some of those covers your question.
Cheers Søren

 

[vet173]

You could give pyrocat-hd a try. I use it for fp-4 and love it.

 

[noseoil]

Another vote for pyrocat. I use the bottles made by Photographer's Formulary. tim

 

[jim appleyard]

You can mix your own version of Rodinal from a recipe in The Darkroom Cookbook, or you can buy another sub version from Photographers Formulary.

 

[nworth]

J&C offers R09 as a Rodinal substitute. Photographers' Formulary sells its "Paraminophenol (Rodinal)" developer. Or you can mix your own.

 

[darinwc]

Thanks, I've heard good things about Pyrocat HD on this forum. I was also considering W2D2. What is the shelf life of pyro developers in liquid form?

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

Thanks, I've heard good things about Pyrocat HD on this forum. I was also considering W2D2. What is the shelf life of pyro developers in liquid form?

I am not a W2D2 user (therefore I have no experience data for it) , however, I have been using Pyrocat-HD for about 3 years.

When I mixed the "A" solution of Pyrocat-HD in water it lasted for about 10-11 months).

When I mix it with Propylene Glycol instead of water it will last for years (I've been mixing it in Propylene Glycol for the last two years - it never goes bad, I just use it all up and need to mix more). See Sandy King's most recent Apug post on Pyrocat-HD.