Just used the last of my Microdol-x, what is comparable?

[kuad]

What is comparable to Microdol-x? :confused:

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

What is comparable to Microdol-x? :confused:

Some have reported good results with Freestyle Photo's LegacyPro Mic-X Film Developer.

Ken

 

[bsdunek]

I've been using Ilford Perceptol for my Minox work and find it is very similar to Microdol-X You might give that a try.

 

[BetterSense]

D23

 

[kuad]

thanks!

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

I happen to think that there is nothing Exactly like it, the mercapto used to make it X is unique although Percptol is close (and I'm sure it uses something similar). I'm under the impression that the same company that makes Kodak's chemistry is also making the Freestyle stuff, although since the X is and remains a trade secret I don't think its identical. If you look hard enough you can find old stock. Otherwise if you're not obsessively picky (like I am) then Perceptol will do.

 

[nworth]

There is nothing just like it. Perceptol may be closest. With modern films, Xtol would probably do a good job. If you mix your own, Defender 5-D and Windisch 665, while quite different, are worth a look.

 

[piu58]

Microdol-X is a Metol only developer. Such devs give very fine grain, but need a stop more light. All thes developers don't last very long if dissolved -the is no redox system which may protect the Metol.

Other Metol only devs are Perceptol or Rollei RLS. RLS comes in fluid form and keeps not very long even in unopened bottles.

 

[Ian Grant]

D23

D25 gives much finer grain, both were published by Kodak at the same time.

Ian

 

[Ian Grant]

Microdol-X is a Metol only developer. Such devs give very fine grain, but need a stop more light. All thes developers don't last very long if dissolved -the is no redox system which may protect the Metol.

Other Metol only devs are Perceptol or Rollei RLS. RLS comes in fluid form and keeps not very long even in unopened bottles.

It's not the Metol that's causing the speed loss it's the lower pH and restraining effect of the relatively high level of Sodium Chloride.

Ian

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

It should be easy enough to make a suitable substitute from basic components.

Kodak D-25 can be used at a temperature of 25*C and the suggested times are those given for Kodak Microdol-X when used at 20*C.

Kodak D-25.
750ml of water at around 50*C
Metol = 7.5 grams
Sodium Sulphite, anhydrous = 100 grams
Sodium metabisulphite = 15 grams
Water to make 1 litre.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

Michael, we had a huge discussion about this with PE many moons ago, and yes there is a mercapto which remains a trade secret. That much I was able to ferret out off that crafty wizard. I'd suggest a search but most times that doesn't find the relevant post. I think it was 'Microdol-X replacement".
To me, MDX has an ever so slightly smoother tone when used 1:0 and slightly more brilliance when used 1:3 as compared to Perceptol and D-23/25. Teeny tiny.

 

[Ian Grant]

It is also not clear how much Metol is in Microdol or Perceptol. Most people assume it to be 7.5g/litre because that is the most common amount used in D23. However this is not necessarily the case, and there were/are other versions of D23 with different Metol concentrations, such as 5g/litre.

I've never seen a version of D23 with 5g/litre Metol but then I don't use the Photo Lab Index data or most US books that perpetuate their misprints either.

All the major manufacturers have their specialist compounds that help prevent Dichroic fog, Agfa discovered and Patented their first in the 1930's a spin off from testing long chain non foamingwetting agents nto add to packaged developers. Ilford, Agfa, Fuji etc as well as Kodak hold Patents for these types of compound.

Ian

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

There's a version of D-23 in a BJP annual in the formulary section which uses 5 grams of Metol and 100 grams of sodium sulphite, anhydrous per litre of stock.
The formula is called Ferrania R-33.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

Yeah, when I finally run out of both Microdol-X and the Microdol-X replenisher (whew! THAT stuff lasts and lasts) I'll use Perceptol. Luckily I have a small supply that should last a few years, but lately I've been taken by DK-50!!!