[Q] ultrafine liquid film developer (Super 76)

ts1000 · Feb 28, 2024

Hello
I use ultrafine for my suplies and previously used D-76 in powder form.
However, 1 packet of the powder makes 1G of developer. And this is way too much for me.

I would like to use (if possible) same developer, but in a form that does not expire in 3 month, after being opened.

Would this liquid concentrate

UltraFine B & W Photo Chemicals Liquid and Liquid Concentrates - Black-and-White Photo Chemicals

hello

www.ultrafineonline.com

work for a couple of years ? (will be stored in a dark cabinet, tightly closed cap, in a bathroom).

There is no description of the shelf life on their website. So wanted to ask on the forum.

The reason why, if possible, I would prefer to stay with D-76 is simple.

I use one focal length lens (52) , one fstop (f8 .. or f11 ), one film (Ilford HP5+), one camera (usually )

I am doing this, so that I can get used to the setup (including film tonality) -- and visualize how the picture will look at the end, before I take the pic.

So would like one film and one developer (I have an acute GAS -- but the above setup is what I use for my environmental photography).

I understand that I should look into Rodinal based developers or H110, but wanted to ask the knowledgebase here, if I, somehow, can stick to D-76

Paul Howell · Feb 28, 2024

I used Clayton F76+ for years, last batch was the house rebranded Arista from Freestyle as I could get in the smaller size. If Ultrafine is rebanded Clayton then it is a fine developer. Post Covid 19, I still do not shoot enough film to use even a small bottle. I now use HC 110 for 400 speed films and Rodinal for 100 speed films. Freestyle sells several version of HC 110 under their house brand.

Paul Howell · Feb 28, 2024

BTW you might want to consider Photographers Formulary version of D76, which you can buy in 1 liter size. The cost is about the same as a gallon of D76 but little wast. I use HC 110 and Rodinal for convenience, mix at time of use, dump and done.

cmacd123 · Feb 28, 2024

depending where your shop, the folks at flic film sell a "Classic MQ Black & White Developer" which amazingly uses the same development times as D76. I belive they sell it as 1 and 4 liter versions so you can compare the price.

Todd Niccole · Feb 28, 2024

Iflord ID-11 comes in 1 liter size. But, anything mixed is not going to last for years or even powder. I recently brewed up some Legacy Pro print developer(powder) that was about three years old and went through a few hot summers and it was oxidized dark brown and didn't perform well. A new bag of the same stuff was just fine. Or, make your own D-76 as needed from raw chemicals: four ingredients. See Photographers Formulary.

Augustus Caesar · Feb 28, 2024

With a few chemical powders, you can make up all you need for paper or film:

Metol
Sodium Sulfite
Hydroquinone
Borax
Sodium Carbonate
Potassium Bromide

They are relatively cheap and keep indefinitely. I have been doing this for 50+ years.

Just two formulas will cover all your needs:

53-D paper developer (AKA D-72)

Digitaltruth Photo - Photographic Chemical Formulas and Technical Data

www.digitaltruth.com

Monohydrated Sodium Carbonate is probably the type to use; increase measure of anhydrous SC by 17%.

Adox MQ Borax film developer

Digitaltruth Photo - Photographic Chemical Formulas and Technical Data

www.digitaltruth.com

laser · Feb 28, 2024

T-Max Developer (liquid) will meet or exceed your needs.

ts1000 · Feb 28, 2024

Thank you all for the replies.
Given the feedback, it seems like the
"Ultrafine Liquid Film Developer - 1gal, to make 5 gals
Item# 901-601"

still will not last if opened. So I will have to switch the film developer for my 35mm Ilford HP5+

Steven Lee · Feb 29, 2024

ts1000 said:
I, somehow, can stick to D-76

You want Ilford ID-11 in 1L packets. It is Ilford's name for D76.

madNbad · Feb 29, 2024

ts1000 said:
Hello
I use ultrafine for my suplies and previously used D-76 in powder form.
However, 1 packet of the powder makes 1G of developer. And this is way too much for me.

I would like to use (if possible) same developer, but in a form that does not expire in 3 month, after being opened.

Would this liquid concentrate

UltraFine B & W Photo Chemicals Liquid and Liquid Concentrates - Black-and-White Photo Chemicals

hello

www.ultrafineonline.com

work for a couple of years ? (will be stored in a dark cabinet, tightly closed cap, in a bathroom).

There is no description of the shelf life on their website. So wanted to ask on the forum.

The reason why, if possible, I would prefer to stay with D-76 is simple.

I use one focal length lens (52) , one fstop (f8 .. or f11 ), one film (Ilford HP5+), one camera (usually )

I am doing this, so that I can get used to the setup (including film tonality) -- and visualize how the picture will look at the end, before I take the pic.

So would like one film and one developer (I have an acute GAS -- but the above setup is what I use for my environmental photography).

I understand that I should look into Rodinal based developers or H110, but wanted to ask the knowledgebase here, if I, somehow, can stick to D-76

The Film Photography Project FPP-76 is a good D-76 clone and it's available in one liter packages. They also have a HC-110 clone in a 250ml bottle.

bernard_L · Feb 29, 2024

ts1000 said:
but wanted to ask the knowledgebase here, if I, somehow, can stick to D-76

One gallon of stock D-76 stored in a wine pouch lasts at least 6 months in my experience. Use 1+1 and discard.
Developers sold as liquid concentrate often come in PE bottles, a material which is permeable to oxygen. This negative does not apply to Rodinal or HC-110 (at least the original one).

[Q] ultrafine liquid film developer (Super 76)

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