Pyrocat-hd vs. Pyrocat-mc and Tubes

[w35773]

I have a general question regarding the differences between the two versions of Pyrocat and if anyone has a preference of one or the other when tube processing.

I just received some MC and have been using HD for about two months. On the sheet I received with the MC, it says to extend development by 35% when using VC paper. Problem is, sometimes I use VC paper and sometimes not.

Any tips on using the MC and whether I should go back to HD would be appreciated.

Regards,
Russell

 

[sanking]

I have a general question regarding the differences between the two versions of Pyrocat and if anyone has a preference of one or the other when tube processing.

I just received some MC and have been using HD for about two months. On the sheet I received with the MC, it says to extend development by 35% when using VC paper. Problem is, sometimes I use VC paper and sometimes not.

Any tips on using the MC and whether I should go back to HD would be appreciated.

Regards,
Russell

Russell,

The times recommended for both Pyrocat-HD and Pyrocat-MC in the Formulary kits are for printing on graded silver papers. You should extend development time by about 35% over recommended with both Pyrocat-HD and Pyrocat-MC. Or, you may use the same time and switch to the 2:2:100 dilution.

The two developers give very similar results, but for rotary processing in tubes Pyrocat-MC will give with most films slightly more acutance and slightly lower general stain. The color of the stain is also different, more neutral brown with Pyrocat-HD, kind of rust brown with -MC.

Sandy King

 

[john_s]

..........The color of the stain is also different, more neutral brown with Pyrocat-HD, kind of rust brown with -MC.

Sandy King

Would the differing stain colours lead to more VC compression with the MC version? Or, put another way, would the more neutral colour of the original HD version make it more like a non-staining developer's result for VC papers?

ok, I know I should try it. I'll put it on my To-Do list.