LPD question

[imyself]

I've got a question regarding replenishing LPD based on the instruction in the Ethol users guide. I want to use powder LPD at a dilution of 1:4. For this dilution, Ill quote the Ethol guide


" For softer prints : Make solution on a 1:4 basis and replenish as follows. Make the original stock solution. Remove 1/5 of this into another bottle and fill with water to make your working solution. Now take the first bottle which still has 4/5 of the solution remaining and split into 2 bottles containing equal amounts of solution and fill these two bottles with water. You now have 2 bottles of replenisher from which you may replenish on the same basis as above"

here is the link to the pdf(it's too big to upload)

The total stock solution at the time of initial mix is 1 gallon.

1) So for the working solution would I take 1/5 gallon solution and add 4/5 gallon water to get 1:4 ratio?

2) How much water would I then need to top up the two bottles of replenisher? The instructions merely state "fill bottles with water". Is it to make two bottle containing one gallon solution in each bottle (2 gallons in total)?

3) After a printing session where I would pour a liter of LPD 1:4 solution into the developing tray, would I then pour the developer from the tray back into a bottle and finally top up my working solution with replenisher to bring it back up to the liter volume I started with?

Sorry if these questions betray my darkroom ignorance, but I'm new to LPD and I wanted to try it for both its unique printing qualities but also its purported economy. I just want to make sure that I get the 1:4 ratio from the onset and maintain that ratio with subsequent replenishing.

Regards,
Adam

 

[Dali]

Short answers:

1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Yes

I use LPD with a different dilution for both working solution and replenisher and it works fine. I don't know about the unique printing qualities you are talking about. To me it gives similar results as Dektol once you slightly adjust you printing habits (Dektol is a little more contrasty).

I use now the same working solution since September 2013. It turned gold pretty quickly but it is still working fine. My replenishment rate is about 8% as my working solution volume is 3000 ml and I use 250 ml of replenisher after each printing session. I keep the replenisher solution in fully filled small bottles stored in a box and it is still crystal clear. As I have some replenisher remaining, I am pretty sure my working solution can last until next September. 1 year of development with 1 LPD can, not bad!

 

[Rick A]

I don't use LPD at 1+4, I use it somewhere between full strength and 1+1. All I do is mix one gallon of stock solution, then dilute as needed for my work. If I need one liter of working strength, I mix 500ml dev with 500ml water. After that, I just add developer to my working solution to refill my bottle, occasionally add water to fill, I am not too fussy, my results are always what I want(I prefer cold tone prints).