LC29 as a good general purpose developer?

I mainly use Ilford FP4, HP5 and Delta 3200 in both 35mm and 120. I used to use XTOL, but due to temporary problems in getting hold of it, switched to ID-11 for the FP4 and HP5 and Microphen for the Delta 3200. My problem is the I tend to build up films in fits and starts, and usually when I have a few minutes to get into the darkroom I either find that I have no stock solutions made up, or they are way out of date and too risky to use. I usually don't then have the time to mix up a new batch of stock. So I've been thinking of switching to a general purpose liquid developer that can handle all my film types and also has a good long shelf life. Ilfotec LC29 looks like it might fit the bill. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions on this?

Ta!

IN a situation like yours I think the simplest solution is HC 110, diluted from the syrup each time. No problem with aging when using this method.

LC29 or microphen would be ok.

How about Ilfotec HC ? Same as LC29 but more concentrated and Ilford's version of HC-110.

I did wonder about HC but the data sheets suggest opening the bottle of concentrate and then making up stock immediately which will then keep for 6 months. I wondered if keeping LC29 in concentrate form might be better?

Use Ilfotec HC directly from the bottle as needed. I have been using it as my main developer for many years.

xtolsniffer said:

I did wonder about HC but the data sheets suggest opening the bottle of concentrate and then making up stock immediately which will then keep for 6 months. I wondered if keeping LC29 in concentrate form might be better?

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Ignore the sheet and measure HC direct from concentrate like HC-110 with a syringe. Cheaper and lasts forever. 16mil made up to 500 with water is dilution 1:31 and 8mil in 500 is 1:63 ... or as near as makes no difference. Made up stock, as you say, is good for 6 months but the concentrate lasts much much longer as there is no water in the mix. You could of course use Kodak HC-110 in the same manner. My favorite developer of all time !

My problem is the I tend to build up films in fits and starts,

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Use either HC-110 or Rodinal. Their concentrates last a very long time. Any other developer is apt to go off before you can finish them.

Ilfotec HC lasts just as long.