Paper developer suggestions?

[Sundowner]

I'm using Dektol, and I print mostly on Oriental paper. Seriously, it's the only paper developer in my darkroom right now...and I don't feel very good about that. It's not that I'm displeased with Dektol, I just want to try something new and broaden my horizons a bit. Thus, I'm open to any suggestions. Here's your big chance to tell me what I should be doing, and not have me argue with you at all.

 

[removed account4]

hi sundowner

i use and love ansco 130
it is bought through the photographers formulary
( the are the only ones left who make glycin )

in stock solution it lasts for a long long time,
it is warm toned if diluted and less so when used stronger

it can be diluted ( 1:6 or more ) and used to process film

some say it lasts for 30 days in an open tray

i like using it when it gets dark like cocacola to process paper negatives.

have fun!
john

 

[brian steinberger]

130 is a great developer. And so is LPD, very inexpensive and flexible.

 

[MattKing]

I use Kodak Polymax-T.

Marketed as Liquid Dektol in some parts of the world.

 

[PhotoJim]

I get better tonality with 130 than Dektol, so it definitely doesn't perform the same. Different enough? That's for you to decide.

The best option: get some bulk ingredients and an accurate scale, and make up some developers from published formulas (or experiment on your own once you know what you're doing). You can make a hydroquinone-only developer for instance, or try any of the many Ansco formulas. Fun stuff!

 

[Rick A]

I prefer Ethol LPD, inexpensive, long lasting, and very flexible. Changing mix ratio adjusts tonallity without sacrificing developing time.

 

[Sundowner]

Okay, so Ansco 130 goes on the list. I'm looking up LPD right now...

And yes, I want to shift papers around as well. However...one variable at a time.

 

[MattKing]

Liquidol is apparently building a good reputation.

 

[Roger Thoms]

I really like oriental in LPD at 1:2 dilution, just my 2¢.

Roger

 

[zsas]

Liquidol is a neutral to cold, high capacity dev that I believe ships free from Amazon (from Formulary) and was co-created by Apug's very own Photo Engineer.

It is considered a Dektol clone but with different secret formulation though.

I use it and love it considering I can mix some up, print a few, bottle/cap it, come back a few weeks later and it is still kicking just as if I just mixed it.

 

[Sundowner]

I've been looking at Liquidol, as well. Mostly positive reviews, it seems.

Anyone have specific preferences on the mixture for Ansco 130? I've found several different variations of it here and there.