Highest Contrast Film Developers?

[Athiril]

Saw this quote in another thread by Ian Grant ( (there was a url link here which no longer exists) )

When uncoated lenses where common photographers processed to higher contrasts & densities using formulae most wouldn't dream of using now as they aren't fine grain.
Ian

Now I'm curious, and I would like to know what some the highest contrast film developers are and if any are in the recipe section etc, I'd like to try something out.

Anything higher contrast than developing in straight hydroquinone and hydroxide etc?

 

[CBG]

... Anything higher contrast than developing in straight hydroquinone and hydroxide etc?

I don't think so, other than spiffed up versions of same. If I recall Kodak D-8, D-11 and the various lith developers if used at full strength are pretty muscular. My memory tells me that formulas with Paraformaldehyde are intended to promote infectious development, which I suspect would boost contrast - but I'd want to hear someone weigh in on that before anyone takes it as gospel, my memory being ummmm...

 

[Lowell Huff]

A & B Lith developer, properly diluted, will give the highest contrast development with control. After that, rapid access developers will give high contrast with control.

 

[rwboyer]

I accidentally ordered a gallon package of Kodak D19 in my last big order about a month ago and am not going to use it - anybody interested?

RB

 

[Mike Wilde]

I have successfully adapted d-19 to a paper developer, with the addition of some carbonate and a bit of bromide and hq, so yes, D19 is pretty high contrast, but not as high as the true lith family. I mix an A+B called d-85, that gives a true lith film deevloper look. A is hq and paraformaldehyde, b is NaOH solution.