Pat Gainer and Pyrocat-MC

[sanking]

All of us learn from and have been inspired in our work by others. For me that list includes some of the early proponents of modern pyro staining developers, includiing John Wimberely and Gordon Hutchings, and even Barry Thornton whose Diaxactol formula appeared at about the same time as my Pyrocat-HD formula. I am also appreciative for the published research of Grant Haist, which has been a great resource. And Ron Mowery is a real living person, and friend, who has provided much inspiration and good advice.

Now, to the Pyrocat-MC formula. Some know of this, others not. The original Pyrocat-HD formula was developed in the late 1990s and has been available in kit from from various sources since about 2000. At this point one can buy it in kit form from many sources, both in the US and abroad. That includes Photographer's Formulary in Montana, which has worked with me extensively to refine the product.

OK, about Pyrocat-MC. Some years ago I set out to experiment with the Pyrocat-HD formula and came up with a very new developer that used metol in small amount to replace the phenidone in Pyrocat-HD. I called this Pyrocat-M, for the combination of Pyrocatechin(catechol) + metol. A few people mixed the formula, but it was basically not taking off. Then, Pat Gainer suggested a method for mixing the Pyrocat-M formula in glycol. For this he exchanged the metabisulfite with ascorbic acid, and proved an efficient method for mixing the various ingredients in glyol.

Not long after Pat Gainer sent me the key for this mixture I asked Formulary to start mixing Pyrocat-MC in glycol. It has proven to be a fairly popular developer.

Some time after Formulary started to offer the Pyrocat-MC kit I wrote Pat and offered to share any royalties from the formula. Pat replied that all he wanted was recognition for his part in the development of Pyrocat-MC. I have on many ocassions on this forum tried to convey that participation. Time has passed, and the link may have grown dim for some.

So I take this opportunity to again state the facts. Pyrocat-MC is the work of both Sandy King and Pat Gainer, in about equal parts as I see things. I thank Pat for his help, and now as always appreciate his wisdom and advice.

Hope this is clear. I wanted to write this now, because in some years the knowledge might disappear. None of us is getting younger.

Sandy King

 

[gainer]

I have been sitting here half an hour trying to think of what to say. The best thing I can think of is what you all know already. Sandy King is a gentlemean and a scholar.

 

[JLP]

Thanks Sandy and Pat..
Pyrocat MC has been my main developer the last two and half year and i don't see it being replaced anytime soon. It works well for both continuos agitation and semi stand, is very economical and versatile.

Thanks for making this developer accessible for those of us who enjoy mixing from scratch.

jan

 

[jovo]

At a time when greedy, selfish, and dishonest people have so overwhelmingly wreaked havoc on our American and world economies, it's nice to see an unselfish, inclusive and generous acknowledgment of a colleague for no apparent reason other than just to do so. You go there, Sandy.

 

[Zathras]

Thanks for posting this Sandy. I haven't tried using Pat's developers for film yet, but I have used his older formulas for printing. I have used both the metol and phenidone versions as mixed for paper and have gotten nice results. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pat for sharing his knowledge with us, and to thank you for the Pyrocat family of developers.

Mike Sullivan

 

[removed account4]

sandy and pat -

thank you for your generous contributions to traditional photography!

john

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I couldn't have said that better, John! Absolutely true.

I have used Pyrocat-MC quite a bit, and like it for its versatility. It's a great gift to the photography community, and so is having both Pat and Sandy participate, offering help and advice for those that wonder or in trouble.

We are thankful for what you do!

- Thomas

At a time when greedy, selfish, and dishonest people have so overwhelmingly wreaked havoc on our American and world economies, it's nice to see an unselfish, inclusive and generous acknowledgment of a colleague for no apparent reason other than just to do so. You go there, Sandy.

 

[Richard Wasserman]

Thank you Sandy for writing this. Your contributions, and Pat's are done in a most generous and open manner that is very refreshing and much needed today. Thank you both!

Richard Wasserman

 

[Richard Wasserman]

Thank you Sandy for writing this. Your contributions, and Pat's are done in a most generous and open manner that is very refreshing and much needed today. Thank you both!

Richard Wasserman

 

[Alex Hawley]

At a time when greedy, selfish, and dishonest people have so overwhelmingly wreaked havoc on our American and world economies, it's nice to see an unselfish, inclusive and generous acknowledgment of a colleague for no apparent reason other than just to do so. You go there, Sandy.

Ditto what John said. I have been developing solely with Pyrocat-HD for four years now and have followed numerous discussions concerning its development over the years. Its been exciting to read Pat and Sandy's threads as these developments unfolded. Many thanks Pat and Sandy. (Which reminds me, I need to order some more of the glycol-based stuff!)

 

[haryanto]

Thank you for your generous to share this formula, pyrocat MC is my main developer, A gentleman Sandy King and Pat Gainer proudly and generous Member Of Black And White society

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

You know, I might just start using Pyrocat-(HD|MC) now...

It's most heartening to behold this collaboration, instead of seeing snake oils peddlers trashing each other's products.

 

[vet173]

Thank you Sandy and Pat. I use pyrocat-P.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I've learnt so much from both of you over the years. From Sandy's pyrocat-HD, and Kallitype printing (yes, Sodium Citrate developer rules!), to Mr. Gainer's great reads in PT magazine, and Vitamin C developers...
Thank you, gentlemen!

 

[sanking]

If you find the need you could also mix the Pyrocat-P formula with glycol, substituting ascorbic acid for metabisulfite and eliminating bromide.

And it is really easy to do since all of the chemicals go into solution easily in warm glycol.

Pyrocat-P has a very interesting edge effect that is quite different from both -HD and -MC.

Sandy

Thank you Sandy and Pat. I use pyrocat-P.

 

[gainer]

I was about to suggest that. While you are getting the p-aminophenol be sure to get the base, not the hydrochloride, if you plan to dissolve it in glycol. You can also make 500 ml of Rodinal clone with 40 grams of the p-aminophenol, 85 grams of sodium sulfite and 13.8 grams of sodium hydroxide or 19.3 grams of potassium hydroxide and enough water. Now for a few turns around the mixer you can have two of the best developers, one staining and the other not. Each has its character.

 

[Photo Engineer]

Thanks Sandy for the kind comment. I am very pleased and honored to have you as a friend.

Ron