One-shot developers

Steve Mack · Aug 13, 2009

I would like to try using my developer once, as in one-shot developing and discarding the stuff after one reel, then using a fresh batch for the next, and so on. My question: would a liquid concentrate developer be best for my purposes, i.e., easily mixed up on the spot, and less expensive than powdered developer? I tried a batch of Ilford developer, and followed their instructions for increasing developing time with each succeeding reel, up to a maximum of 8 reels for the batch of developer I had mixed up.

I really liked the first reel, because it was over and done in a relatively short time, but the subsequent reels were really ho-hum waiting for the process to be completed, as each succeeding reel seemed to drag on and on...

Thank you to all who reply.

With best regards,

Stephen

clayne · Aug 13, 2009

Tons of people one-shot. In fact, I'd go so far as to say the majority (who use conventional developers). It's almost always cheaper to use powders. Liquid is controversially easier/more convenient (I use powder). It takes about 20 minutes to mix a powder dev, and for most people this isn't a hard thing to do. I use powders because they're cheaper, take up less space, store well, and are dead-easy to mix into stock solutions.

brofkand · Aug 13, 2009

As far as liquid developer, the only I've ever used and liked has been Rodinal. It keeps forever as well. But I wouldn't say liquid developers are cheaper than powdered; a gallon of Arista-76 (Freestyle's copy of D-76) is around $5. That's easily enough to develop a hundred rolls of film or more, depending on how much you dilute. (I normally dilute 1:1 unless I have a specific reason not to like I'm pushing and the massive dev chart only has stock times).

I'd recommend buying a gallon powder of D-76 (or whichever developer you like) and using it one-shot. I've never re-used developer. Enough developer for a roll of film is cheap enough that I don't want to risk it. If nothing else, I want my developing to be consistent, roll to roll.

PhotoJim · Aug 13, 2009

Kodak D-76 or Ilford ID-11 (essentially identical) can be diluted 1:1 (or even 1:3) and are quite inexpensive to use.

Many liquid developers cost more than these developers cost. Two exceptions are Rodinal and HC-110.

Rodinal is best for larger formats, or for slower 35mm films. It tends to exaggerate grain (and tends to give razor sharpness too) and it has its use, but I certainly wouldn't use it for everything.

HC-110, on the other hand, can be used for nearly anything. Development times are very short for Dilution B (which is 1 mL of syrup to 31 mL of water).

memorris · Aug 14, 2009

I one-shot and always have, it makes for more consistent development. I shoot TMax and use TMax-RS developer which is a liquid developer. I have tried powder, LPD paper developer. I love the job it does but hate mixing it.

clayne · Aug 14, 2009

PhotoJim said:
HC-110, on the other hand, can be used for nearly anything. Development times are very short for Dilution B (which is 1 mL of syrup to 31 mL of water).

Which tends to blow the highlights and smash the mid-tones. I wouldn't use it for everything.

EASmithV · Aug 14, 2009

For your purposes, HC-110 sounds like a good match. It is a liquid concentrate, and a nice general purpose developer IMO.

EASmithV · Aug 14, 2009

clayne said:
Which tends to blow the highlights and smash the mid-tones. I wouldn't use it for everything.

Only if you over-agitate.

clayne · Aug 14, 2009

EASmithV said:
Only if you over-agitate.

Still pointless compared to D-76 or XTOL.

cmo · Aug 14, 2009

You can use many if not most developers as one-shot. Instructions are in all Kodak and Ilford data sheets. Diluting developer does not make development faster, though, but it will be the same time for each film. Short development times are also a potential source of errors - messing up the process is easier when you have to rush, and you might easily achieve uneven development.

Martin Aislabie · Aug 14, 2009

I use ID11 (Ilford ID11 is the same as Kodak D76) one shot at 1+1 and always have.

I use it in this way for consistency and convenience.

Consistency - because its always the same development time as you always use fresh developer.

Convenience - because its always ?? minutes to develop - long development times do seem to cause time to drag - I guess its the old saying "A watched Kettle never boils"

Liquid Devs or Powders - very much a personal choice - I don't find the 20 mins or so needed to mix up ID11 a big deal but others seem to find it hugely inconvenient - YMMV

Martin

mikebarger · Aug 14, 2009

I don't know that it is "pointless" to determine proper development time/agitation for your combination of film/shutter/lightmeter/ and printing method.

Mike

dancqu · Aug 14, 2009

Rodinal is highly recommended for it's results
and keeping qualities. Pick up a 5ml syringe
from your local pharmacy. That little or
less will do for any roll of film.

To be fair there are other long lived
concentrates which deliver great
results.

I Home Brew my own developer
concentrate then dilute at time
of use. Dan

bsdunek · Aug 14, 2009

I've been using Ilfosol III, before that Ilfosol S. I think they're pretty good one shot developers. In the past I've used Rodinol and Acu-1. I like one shot for the consistency, and for the fact they last longer so I don't have to discard developer just because it's old. I recommend using it that way.

One-shot developers

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