Pouring the developer

[DeanC]

Noob question time.

Everything I read tells me that you need to pour the developer over your Pd/Pt prints, not just slide the paper into it like you do with silver but I haven't found anything that says why. So, I'll ask you folks:

What bad thing happens if you just leave the developer in the tray and slide the prints in?

Thanks,
Dean

 

[Michael Mutmansky]

Dean,

I have never seen a difference. I pour because I use the developer at 120 degrees, and so I get it up to temperature in a puoring container, not in the tray.

I have slipped a print into a tray before, and not seen any adverse effects.

I think the more important issue is getting the entire print into the developer in a rapid, uniform manner. If the developer stops advancing over the print while you are submersing it (regardless of the method), you may end up with a discontinuity in the resultant print density that will not disappear, no matter how long you leave it in the developer.


---Michael

 

[wm blunt]

Dean,
Nothing bad will happen if you can slide the print into the tray in a nice smooth motion. If you don't and get kind of hung up you can fold the print, especially on thin papers. Some have reported getting a surge mark if print is not fully covered instantly. I heat my developer so it just makes it easier to have the developer in a container on the hot plate and pour it over the print then pour back in container to bring back to temp. I think the surge mark problem is most likely using developer heated to 100 degrees or more.

 

[wm blunt]

Sorry Michael I didn't hear you typing.

 

[Stan. L-B]

Hello Dean.
As is with most alternative processes there are no hard and fast rules. The Pd/Pt
processes are costly and I suspect the reason why some go for the pour method which uses less chemicals than the slide under method.

It is worth experimenting
to find which method suits your particular modus operandi.

The mixing of p/t & P/d should take place at least twelve hours before use, with the contrast controlled by temp, and or clearing bath, to suit the support.

 

[cjarvis]

As a point of reference, Dick Arentz cites both methods as acceptable in his book.