Help with deciding what chemistry is right for me

bernard_L · Jun 4, 2023

MCB18 said:
Thinking about getting a couple of these containers for dev and fix. A bit more expensive than wine bags, but very durable and easy to clean. Anyone have experience with them? Anyone have any reason not to use them?

2-1/2 Gallon Cube® Assembled Cubitainer® | U.S. Plastic Corp.

When you choose the Cubitainer® system, you are choosing a package that was built to withstand the rigors of hazardous chemical packaging...

www.usplastic.com

They are made of LDPE. That material has high O2 permeability. Wine bags (proper ones at least) have an oxygen barrier layer (PVA or other).

brian steinberger · Jun 4, 2023

MCB18 said:
B&H is saying “Screw you” and won’t ship LPD dev powder. But shipping the (more expensive) liquid is fine? WTF B&H???

Yea I don’t get it either. Buy your LPD from Freestyle.

MCB18 · Jun 4, 2023

bernard_L said:
They are made of LDPE. That material has high O2 permeability. Wine bags (proper ones at least) have an oxygen barrier layer (PVA or other).

Damn, really? That’s unfortunate, these looked incredibly promising.

Is there a good source of wine bags that isn’t Amazon? I don’t have an account, and knowing folks who have worked there, I have no desire to get one.

npl · Jun 4, 2023

I will disagree about using replenished Xtol when OP did say that is processing is infrequent.

HC-110 is perfect for this as it should last for a long time once opened, althought we don't know how long exactly with the new formula... I opened a bottle in 2019, expiration date february 2023, and used it a few weeks ago without issue.

I did switch to XTOL and recently picked up my replenishement workflow again after a 9 month gap, but I process film regularly. With infrequent use, I can't see the point of going to the trouble of storing 5L of solution in absolute airtight containers (Xtol will die fast if not properly stored), let alone the whole process of replenishement that include the saisonning stage, keeping track of the rolls and so on.

One shot long-lasting liquid chemicals are much better for occasionnal use.

Sirius Glass · Jun 4, 2023

bags27 said:
Xtol produces fantastic whites, but I can't seem to bond with it overall. I keep coming back to Pyrocat HD, which, of course, is toxically toward the other end of the scale from Xtol. But I am always so pleased with the rendering.

Nothing wrong with Pyrocat HD, I use it sometimes as an alternative. Just do not drink it.

Sirius Glass · Jun 4, 2023

npl said:
I will disagree about using replenished Xtol when OP did say that is processing is infrequent.

HC-110 is perfect for this as it should last for a long time once opened, althought we don't know how long exactly with the new formula... I opened a bottle in 2019, expiration date february 2023, and used it a few weeks ago without issue.

I did switch to XTOL and recently picked up my replenishement workflow again after a 9 month gap, but I process film regularly. With infrequent use, I can't see the point of going to the trouble of storing 5L of solution in absolute airtight containers (Xtol will die fast if not properly stored), let alone the whole process of replenishement that include the saisonning stage, keeping track of the rolls and so on.

One shot long-lasting liquid chemicals are much better for occasionnal use.

During COVID I was using replenished XTOL very infrequently and never had a problem. As with any developer, if it has not been used in a while test it with a strip of film.

Paul Howell · Jun 4, 2023

MCB18 said:
B&H is saying “Screw you” and won’t ship LPD dev powder. But shipping the (more expensive) liquid is fine? WTF B&H???

Freestyle ships ground hazard.

In terms of mixing from raw, buy a book, lots of choices, lots of formulas. I have a scale, then found that shipping brought the price per roll up. I live the Phoenix metro area and we don't have a good retail chemistry shop so I could save on shipping.

MattKing · Jun 4, 2023

I expect B&H won't ship many items that require "ground hazard" shipping because they subsidize shipping, and in order to do that they have worked out a deal with their shipping source which does not discount or permit ground hazard shipping.
When you buy something from someone who offers "free" shipping, it is important to remember a famous acronym: "tanstaafl"

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 4, 2023

For longevity, I guess nothing beat Kodak HC110. For FPP versión be aware, althought it gives quite similar resulta, longevity may not be the sale.

MCB18 · Jun 4, 2023

Marcelo Paniagua said:
For longevity, I guess nothing beat Kodak HC110. For FPP versión be aware, althought it gives quite similar resulta, longevity may not be the sale.

As I understand it, FPP-110 is the same as, or a very similar formula to, the new Kodak HC-110 formula. They don’t sell the syrup anymore, even though everyone agrees it was the best developer you could get in terms of longevity, along with Rodinal. Though I think they changed that as well.

Paul Howell · Jun 4, 2023

For storage you can plastic soda bottles, I use glass just because I have them, other wise you can 1 to 1.5 litter bottles, in neck of the woods Dollar Tree sells a generic brands in 1.5 size. For smaller sizes buy a couple of 20 and 16 oz bottles.

foc · Jun 5, 2023

I know that it is often not recommended, but I have, in the past, split a 3.8L pack of Kodak D76.

You can read the details here.

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/kodak-d76-capacity.198684/page-5#post-2674575

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/kodak-d76-capacity.198684/page-5#post-2674622

gavinlyons · Jun 5, 2023

Film Dev : Rodinal / XTOL (25 - 200 ASA) & HC110 (400 ASA) all good choices. I use Spur N Acurol has great shelf life.
Paper Dev : ADOX paper developer in powder form. I mix into 5L and use 1 L when I need it, cheap. Otherwise Kodak Dektol
Stop bath : Citric acid and water, inexpensive and last forever.
Fixer : ADOX fixer powder or Hypo in powder. Also inexpensive.

grain elevator · Jun 5, 2023

If you go that route, Xtol equivalents from Foma (Excel) and Adox (XT-3) are available in 1 L size packets. I also develop infrequently and store Excel in a soda bottle which I compress to keep air out is it's emptied; haven't had it totally die on me but I think it lost some activity over months. Mixing your own instant Mytol is another way, not so convenient of course. But really non of these developers is as convenient as Rodinal or HC-110.

bags27 · Jun 5, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
During COVID I was using replenished XTOL very infrequently and never had a problem. As with any developer, if it has not been used in a while test it with a strip of film.

Sirius Glass said:
Nothing wrong with Pyrocat HD, I use it sometimes as an alternative. Just do not drink it.

Now you tell me!

Sirius Glass · Jun 5, 2023

bags27 said:
Now you tell me!

Take two hypos and call the doctor the next morning.

bags27 · Jun 5, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Take two hypos and call the doctor the next morning.

PMed you about the Nikannos. Hope you answer, so that I wouldn't have to guzzle Pyrocat!

Help with deciding what chemistry is right for me

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