I didn't think it could be done.

[markbarendt]

I exhausted my working LPD.

First time in 4 years. Normally do something goofy to ruin it but I actually wore it out, I must be getting better at this.

 

[NormanV]

LPD?

 

[pentaxuser]

Norman I think this is Ethol LPD. Matt at Agphotographic sells it but is waiting for fresh stock. It is a powder in a tin with legendary keeping properties. Have a look at Ag's write up

Others in the U.K. such as Silverprint might also stock it

pentaxuser

 

[markbarendt]

LPD?

Yep, Ethol Lasting Paper Developer

 

[Roger Cole]

You were replenishing it per instructions? You can certainly exhaust a single bath by printing but it takes a lot of printing. I normally discard it from time and don't print enough to wear it out from use. I've kept a working strength bottle mixed in September and made prints in January that were _almost_ indistinguishable from prints made with fresh working strength mix, though it took it about .25 grades more contrast IIRC (required splitting exposure between filters for closest match.)

 

[markbarendt]

Not per instructions. I may have to get more scientific going forward.

I've been mixing a liter of 1:3 and just topping up the working solution with that. Normally I'd contaminate it or spill some or whatnot. This is the first time I've exhausted it.

 

[Curt]

Mark, did it abruptly stop or slowly stop working? It sounds like you were surprised, when did you know? LPD is a terrific developer. Been printing 5x7's?

Curt

 

[markbarendt]

Hi Curt,

No not terribly abrupt, but it should be noted that my working solution volume is only 160ml for the JOBO. It's also not a complaint, I love LPD.

I had switched to a different roll of film and was trying to nail the exposure and contrast and was starting to get prints that weren't matching what the enlarger meter was telling me but I was liking the warmth of the prints. It became clear about 3 runs later when the prints came out very underdeveloped and overly warm in color.

Now that I've seen how this happens I can catch it with more aggressive replenishment next time.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I had this happen to me with a three year old batch of replenished LPD. I had been sloppy with replenishing after not using it for a while. Otherwise, it never runs out of steam.
Bromides and such do build up, and eventually it's a good idea to mix a new batch, where the new working solution is 1 part fresh stock, and 2 parts old developer. That seems to properly revitalize the activity of the developer.

 

[Curt]

I have of couple cans on hand all the time. It's in a category by itself. I'm glad to see it continue to be used.

 

[Roger Cole]

I love LPD. I use it as my standard paper developer. The only other one I use is Ilford WT with their WT paper. For neutral tones it's LPD. I could try diluting it for warm tones and compare that to the Ilford developer, but I like the warm results with Ilford and I have to mix two batches either way.

 

[markbarendt]

I have of couple cans on hand all the time. It's in a category by itself. I'm glad to see it continue to be used.

Speaking of that I need to reorder.