Microdol-X and replenisher

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,726
Messages
2,780,007
Members
99,692
Latest member
kori
Recent bookmarks
0

newcan1

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
719
Location
Chattanooga
Format
35mm
I bought some packs of Microdol-X and its replenisher. I have vastly more replenisher than developer packs. Can anyone tell me what is the difference between the replenisher and the developer; and is there any way to use the replenisher powder to just mix into straight developer?
 

Rudeofus

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
5,081
Location
EU
Format
Medium Format
Kodak has published document J-4027 from November 2003 about Microdol-X, which contains instructions on page 3 how to make Microdol-X replenisher. According to this document, the replenisher is more concentrated than Microdol-X itself, and it contains 8.45 g/l Sodium Carbonate Monohydrate (equivalent to 7.22 g/l anhydrous). Diluting the replenisher back to stock developer concentration is simple, but you'd then have to cancel out the effect of the Sodium Carbonate. Try adding 1 mol Acetic Acid per mol of Sodium Carbonate and you should be in the ballpark.
 

Anon Ymous

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2008
Messages
3,661
Location
Greece
Format
35mm
... Try adding 1 mol Acetic Acid per mol of Sodium Carbonate and you should be in the ballpark.
Adding a mol of Sodium Metabisulfite, or 2 mol of Sodium Bisulfite per mol of Sodium Carbonate will create Sodium Sulfite, which Microdol-X already contains in large quantity. IMHO, that would be a better approach. That said, the replenisher can also be used for its intended purpose.
 
Last edited:

Rudeofus

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
5,081
Location
EU
Format
Medium Format
Acetic Acid ion is not an issue in Microdol-X, but yes, Metabisulfite will work just as well. Use whatever you have lying around. My main worry is the extra Carbonate/Bicarbonate, which will alter buffering of replenisher based Microdol-X.
 
OP
OP

newcan1

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
719
Location
Chattanooga
Format
35mm
This is all great information; Thanks! I see the Kodak document starts with a gallon (3.75L) pack of developer to make 3L of replenisher, so as well as neutralizing the sodium carbonate, I may have to add extra water (1.25x). I have 7 packs of replenisher but only 2 of developer, so it may be worth sacrificing a pack of replenisher to play with.
 

Rudeofus

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
5,081
Location
EU
Format
Medium Format
After rereading this post: if you don't neutralize the Sodium Carbonate, you end up with a Polydol clone, which might be interesting on its own. Therefore I'd say: dilute your replenisher 3:4 and develop a small test clip. As long as fogging is noticeable, add Acetic Acid or Sodium Metabisulfite and retest.
 
OP
OP

newcan1

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
719
Location
Chattanooga
Format
35mm
Very interesting. I will give that a shot before neutralizing the sodium carbonate. Thanks!
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom