Jessops' Econotol Film Developer

Steve Roberts · Apr 5, 2006

Hi All,

I was very disappointed yesterday when I was told by my local Jessops store that they were no longer selling their own-branded Econotol film developer. I have always found this a very versatile, general purpose product. At some time in the past I read that it was of the same formula as Johnson's Unitol, which I used some 35 years ago.
Does anyone know who Jessops' supplier was, please? (they won't tell me). Alternatively, I bet there's an equivalent product out there somewhere. Any thoughts appreciated.

Best wishes,

Steve

PS This is yet another indication of Jessops' attitude to traditional photography!

Les McLean · Apr 5, 2006

Steve, it is very likely that Jessops chemistry was made by Champion who have just announced to the industry that they will no longer produce chemistry in this country. I think they have moved their works to Spain and it is not cost effective to ship water long distances.

Steve Roberts · Apr 5, 2006

Thanks Les. Your suggestion seems quite likely as I know that Champion have been a supplier for Jessops.

Steve

Geoff Stevens · Apr 5, 2006

Jessops' Econotol, Champion and Paterson.

Do Champion also make Paterson chemicals? There was an answer to a question in AP (01/04/2006, page 24) where Roger Parry of Paterson stated that:

'The plant that produced our formulations (including stop bath) has closed. It looks like, due to diminishing demand, we will discontinue with all the Paterson chemistry. We will, of course, continue to produce the fuill range of Paterson darkroom equipment'.

Look ominous for Paterson chemistry users (if I'm reading it correctly).

Geoff

Keith Tapscott. · Apr 5, 2006

Geoff Stevens said:
Do Champion also make Paterson chemicals? There was an answer to a question in AP (01/04/2006, page 24) where Roger Parry of Paterson stated that:

'The plant that produced our formulations (including stop bath) has closed. It looks like, due to diminishing demand, we will discontinue with all the Paterson chemistry. We will, of course, continue to produce the fuill range of Paterson darkroom equipment'.

Look ominous for Paterson chemistry users (if I'm reading it correctly).

Geoff

Seems that way, I beleive that Champion also make the chemicals for Ilford although their chemicals will continue. Perhaps Paterson are not selling enough to continue supply. I`m not sure if Champion also make Fotospeed chemicals too.

Lachlan Young · Apr 5, 2006

Geoff Stevens said:
Do Champion also make Paterson chemicals? There was an answer to a question in AP (01/04/2006, page 24) where Roger Parry of Paterson stated that:

'The plant that produced our formulations (including stop bath) has closed. It looks like, due to diminishing demand, we will discontinue with all the Paterson chemistry. We will, of course, continue to produce the fuill range of Paterson darkroom equipment'.

Look ominous for Paterson chemistry users (if I'm reading it correctly).

Geoff

Hopefully Paterson will publish the formulae if they are going to withdraw their developers.

Lachlan

Mark Layne · Apr 5, 2006

Keith Tapscott. said:
Seems that way, I beleive that Champion also make the chemicals for Ilford although their chemicals will continue. Perhaps Paterson are not selling enough to continue supply. I`m not sure if Champion also make Fotospeed chemicals too.

They at least make the lith developer which is same as Novalith

Steve Roberts · Apr 6, 2006

Keith Tapscott. said:
Seems that way, I beleive that Champion also make the chemicals for Ilford although their chemicals will continue. Perhaps Paterson are not selling enough to continue supply. I`m not sure if Champion also make Fotospeed chemicals too.

This all looks rather grim. When I raised the point about Econotol, I didn't realise that there were so many other far-reaching implications.

Steve

FrankB · Apr 6, 2006

This is very bad news for me. I've just started using Paterson Aculux 2 and find it extremely good stuff.

If it's phased out now that will really be a blow.

Lachlan Young · Apr 6, 2006

FrankB said:
This is very bad news for me. I've just started using Paterson Aculux 2 and find it extremely good stuff.

If it's phased out now that will really be a blow.

I think you should read THIS and THIS and take into account the fact that Roger Hicks has closer contacts with Paterson than most. The news may then seem not as gloomy as predicted.

Hope this helps,

Lachlan

FrankB · Apr 6, 2006

Thank you, Lachlan.

I'll take a step back from the roof edge and wait for further news.

Dave Miller · Apr 7, 2006

There are several alternatives as always. Whilst the withdrawal of Paterson from the chemical supply chain is bad news which presumably will effect other repackagers, the Jessop chain have done nothing positive for the hobby for years. Silverprint is stocking the Agfa range again, Peter Hogan is marketing a remarkable collection, as is Dead Link Removed. Others will add to the list. And last but not least Leon will be pleased to tell you how to make a master-brew for 5p a pint, so dont jump yet Frank, we live in the land of plenty. If you are in need of some gentle bedtime reading to sooth your worries away then you could try Jack's.

Steve Roberts · Apr 10, 2006

Dave Miller said:
There are several alternatives as always. .

Dave,
You're right, of course, there are lots of alternatives, but for me a large part of the value of any product (not just photographic) is my ability to march into a shop down the road and buy it. The only one-shot film dev that I can buy on that basis in Plymouth would now seem to be Ilfosol, which I have used but have some reservations about. I don't have any experience of Silverprint, but their website shows an impressive product range and I have no reason to doubt their service. However, a minimum order value and the inevitable vagaries of the post office/carriers do for me mark a defining point in that I am no longer able to buy everything I need in the same shopping trip as when I go to Sainsbury's!
I'll just have to get used to it!

Steve

Dave Miller · Apr 10, 2006

Steve,
I could not agree more. When I lived in Surrey I had the pleasure of frequent visits to near by Cobham Cameras, with the considerable bonus of a chat with a knowledgeable proprietor. Regrettably there is no such shop within reasonable travel of where I now live, so I have to rely on internet shopping for my supplies, as I suspect do the majority of others here. A certain amount of planning (or in my case panic ) is required to ensure the availability of supplies, given the time lag between order and delivery, and to spread postage costs as widely as possible. I now have to regard mail order outlets, such as those mentioned as my corner shop.

Jessops' Econotol Film Developer

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