Pan F Plus in Microdol-X (vs. Perceptol)

[Lee Shively]

Is anyone using Microdol-X currently as a substitute for Perceptol when processing Pan F Plus? If so, is there any significant difference in grey tones and grain between using it full strength (and replenished) or diluted 1:1 or 1:3 (for one-shot use)? I mostly use this film in 120 size, very little in 35mm.

I can't find Perceptol, so I bought some Microdol-X to try with Pan F Plus. I used to process the old Pan F in Perceptol 25-30 years ago and those negatives still produce printw with the smoothest tones I've ever made. I've been using D76 1:1 and 1:3 but the negatives lack that creamy look.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

I may be wrong, but I am under the impression that Microdal X is to perceptol what D76 is to ID11. Essentially the same.

 

[dalahorse]

I may be wrong, but I am under the impression that Microdal X is to perceptol what D76 is to ID11. Essentially the same.

I hope you're right!!! Perceptol has become very hard to find recently. My local shops, plus my usual mail order shops (B&H and Adorama) are out and don't seem to be getting any more in. I've been using Perceptol exclusively for the last couple of years and am down to my last box.

 

[djklmnop]

Didn't you hear? Ilford is discontinuing it. Perceptol is cheaper and gives about the same quality as Microdol-X. I stopped using Microdol shortly after I discovered the price difference and tested the two developers against each other.. Same developing action except Microdol leaves a Pyro-like stain on the negative. They're both great. But if Perceptol is really discontinued, I guess I'll have very little choice but to pay more for Microdol. No big deal

Check out my gallery, all my portraits are with Pan F+ and Perceptol.

 

[Helen B]

Maybe Perceptol will be undiscontinued...

 

[dalahorse]

...Microdol leaves a Pyro-like stain on the negative.

Hrm. Having no experience with Pyro, I worry about this stain you mention. Do you figure it would cause problems when used with Multigrade paper?

 

[jim appleyard]

Mic.-X stain causes no problems when printing with VC papers.

 

[BarryWilkinson]

Maybe Perceptol will be undiscontinued...

Maybe...

In the meantime, Moersch Chemicals say their EFG Developer is identical to Perceptol. Same dev times/temps etc. I spoke to Retrophotographic in the UK who said they would get some in for me. Maybe if enough are interested, J&C in the USA would do the same?

Barry