Liquidol availability

[ntenny]

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]

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

 

[Disconnekt]

Glass Key Photo in SanFran has some in stock for $12.95 (here: https://www.glasskeyphoto.com/shopchemistry/liquidol-developer-in-store-pickup-or-courier-only), but the shipping for it is like $13

 

[cjbecker]

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]

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]

I'll bet it's still good.

 

[David Lindquist]

After googling the shelf life of Liquidol, I'm optimistic too.

David

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

I’ve been printing with Ilford MG instead, and the results are fine, but I’m disappointed in the short tray life.



-NT

That's odd, I have found Multigrade developer to have a very good tray life.

 

[pentaxuser]

That's odd, I have found Multigrade developer to have a very good tray life.

What's you experience of its life when left in open trays, Keith?

Thanks


pentaxuser

 

[cjbecker]

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.

 

[ntenny]

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