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

 

[David Lindquist]

Just checked Photographers' Formulary website to see if Liquidol was available yet. Now it's no longer shown at all.

David

 

[Disconnekt]

Looks like its been discontinued:

 

[ntenny]

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

 

[ags2mikon]

How disappointing. Another great product gone.

 

[Paul Howell]

Yep, along with Edwal Ultra Black and FG7, just to name a few.

 

[Zathras]

Yep, along with Edwal Ultra Black and FG7, just to name a few.

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]

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

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]

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.

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]

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.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[Tim Stapp]

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

 

[MattKing]

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

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

 

[cjbecker]

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]

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]

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.