Promicrol

chorleyjeff

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2003
Messages
129
Location
Chorley, Lan
Have noticed that Promicrol made by Champion is available in one litre packets.
Promicrol searches do not bring up information about the "new" Promicrol so was wondering if anyone has any information about the qualities of the new Promicrol eg is it still speed increasing, or acutance or fine grain, and is it suitable for use with HP5+. Delta 400 and Delta 100.
Thanks for any information.
Cheers
Jeff
 

Terry Beal

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
4
Format
35mm
Have been using the "new" promicrol for a couple of years now. Originally pointed to it when Ilford were having their problems and being a user of the old powder form thought I'd give it a try. It is described as a speed increasing developer at the times quoted by Champion. I googled around and found the artgrey.com website, a German stockist. They commented that the times suggested were too long and recommended cutting them by at least 15 to 20%, they also suggested diluting it further to 1:19 and processing at 75F.
Although they no longer stock promicrol, having cut their range down to just 3 developers, they do have on their website in the information section under verarbeitungstipps several articles and data sheets for using promicrol with Ilford films. I have no German but can follow the figures!
I have followed these recommendations and been very satisfied with the results with HP5 and delta 100. I find the 1:19 dilution gives fine grain and sharper negs than D76 1:1 but for low contrast subjects I revert to 1:15. With both I use the film at box speed.
These dilutions mean that it is ridiculously economical but luckily it has good keeping qualities but to make the most of it I decant into smaller bottles.
I've also used it with Neopan 400 and found the same approach to work well both at reduced times and also at Champion's times as a speed increasing developer (650/800).
Champion don't seem to promote the developer at all, perhaps not to compete with the products they produce for others but I'm happy with it and use it as my standard developer.
 
OP
OP

chorleyjeff

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2003
Messages
129
Location
Chorley, Lan


Excellent.
Thanks
I had seen the German sites but didn't try to read them!
Thanks again.
Jeff
 
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