One drop of Ferric vs. one drop of Pd

sdivot

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Here's a question for all you chemists out there.
I'm making Pd prints using the Na2 method. I use the small droppers to measure out the chemistry. I use plastic droppers from B&S.
I am quite sure that the volume of one drop of ferric is less than one drop of Palladium. I suppose it has to do with the viscosity difference. I have been adding one extra drop of ferric for every 10 drops of each. For example: 10 drops of palladium with 11 drops of ferric. 50 drops palladium, 55 drops of ferric....
This seems to work, but can someone tell me the effect on a print of adding more ferric in relation to the amount of palladium?
Has anyone else had the same experience with the droppers?
Thanks,
Steve
www.scdowellphoto.com
 
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I've noticed the same thing - I was actually talking to B&S yesterday and am kicking myself for not asking them about this. I do 13 dops of feox to 12 drops of pd solution - but would appreciate hearing from others....
 

PVia

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I always use even amounts, and don't notice anything lacking in prints using up to 3ml total solution.

As long as they are the same exact-type dropper and plastic only, all should be fine...

Didn't Dick Arentz say in his book that normal photographic errors could be up to 10% and there'd be no problem/difference? (I'm paraphrasing from memory here...)
 

Ian Leake

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If you're worried about precise measurement then you could always use a glass syringe with the appropriate scales marked. I believe that 1 drop of water is approximately 0.05cc in volume (I'll let you do the maths from there). Of course, if you want to learn and understand the nuances of Pt/Pd printing then you should also experiment and share what you discover...
 
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I have two sizes of dropper bottles. The larger dropper has a smaller orifice and delivers 21 drops/ml while the smaller dropper has a larger orifice and delivers 18 drops/ml

Alan
 
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