Liquidol availability

ntenny

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Liquidol seems to be out of stock everywhere (including the Formulary), and has been for a while. I’ve been printing with Ilford MG instead, and the results are fine, but I’m disappointed in the short tray life.

I know there are various alternatives, of course, but I’ve gotten used to Liquidol and I like it. Does anyone know why it’s unavailable and/or when we might expect it back?

-NT
 

Paul Howell

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I was just about ready to order a few bottles myself, I guess I will order Clayton instead.
 

cjbecker

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I also standardized on liquidol, so I talked to the formulary about it being out of stock, they are having trouble getting an ingredient for it at the moment. I have also been using multigrade instead. Gives slightly less information in the highlights for identical print times, but results are very almost the same. I tend to use new developer everyday so the longevity of liquidol is not a huge advantage for me.
 

David Lindquist

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I called Photographers' Formulary this past Monday, June 2 and asked when it might be available. They said the end of this week, but it's not. They did mention having a problem getting one of the components.

I asked if a 2 1/2 year old unopened bottle was apt to still be good. They sounded doubtful but suggested I try it. So I will do that and have some Multigrade developer on hand as back-up.

David
 

Kino

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I'll bet it's still good.
 

cjbecker

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For me personally 1L of multigrade in a 8x10 tray is a 24hour developer. I will mix a new batch after a test print in the 24hour old developer that set out in an open tray and the dmax is just slightly less then the fresh mix.
 
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ntenny

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That’s interesting. For me MG has seemed to poop out after a few hours in a 12x16 tray; I’ll print in the morning, break to run to the grocery store or whatever, and when I come back I’m getting weak development. Maybe the increase in surface area, different water, or whatever. Admittedly Liquidol is exceptional in this respect, of course.

-NT
 
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ntenny

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I just called the Formulary to ask about it, and they said they currently can’t get the ingredients and it should basically be considered discontinued. :-(

So I guess I need to figure out a go-to alternative paper developer: long stock life critical, long tray life nice-to-have, reasonable price, fairly neutral results.

-NT
 

Zathras

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Paul Howell said:
Yep, along with Edwal Ultra Black and FG7, just to name a few.
Click to expand...
I agree, especially when it comes to FG7. I've never found another developer that gives me
the same results I achieved with that developer.
 

Kino

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Arrggggg!!!!

Guess I had better ration what I have left of a 1 liter bottle to strictly processing paper negatives.

I would recommend Ethol LPD as a replacement. It is super long-lived in stock form and can vary from warm to cold depending on dilution. In powder form, it keeps for decades sealed.
 

John Wiegerink

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Zathras said:
I agree, especially when it comes to FG7. I've never found another developer that gives me
the same results I achieved with that developer.
Click to expand...
Yes, I miss FG7 also, but I can live without it. Just barely! AA even used it so it must be good, right?
 

Paul Howell

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FG7 was unique, add sodium sulfide and it became fine grain with added film speed, standard and had good apparent sharpness. There is a quart listed on ebay, almost bought it on a whim just in case it is still good, but then decided that I dont want to retest with new films, then once it is gone it is gone.

 

Tim Stapp

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Additionally, Ethol LPD can be used in a replenishment regimen. Tray life and stock life are fantastic. Do a search for "LPD Replenished".
 

MattKing

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Tim Stapp said:
Additionally, Ethol LPD can be used in a replenishment regimen. Tray life and stock life are fantastic. Do a search for "LPD Replenished".
Click to expand...

And just ignore the website owner who tells anyone who is a member on Photrio to leave their website right away!
 

cjbecker

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Does anyone have thoughts on shorter development times with Ethon LPD? Thats the only reason I have never tried it. I like 60 for rc and 90 for fiber…. but I also value shorter development times over longevity.
 

Kino

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1 minute is the suggested time for RC papers, but I do 1:30 to be sure of maximum blacks.

As for FB paper, can't tell you yet. I haven't shot anything worth investing in FB paper.
 

Paul Howell

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When I used LPD Foma FB, 3 minutes. Like Kino 1 to 2 for RC, Multitone or Foma. I use much ILford, but should be in the ball park.
 
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