Recommendation for paper dev in tank.

Hi, I've been using a Nova 8x10 four slot developing tank for a few months. I have found that it's far easier to set up for darkroom work (in the spare bedroom) when the tank has been left set up from a previous session. As a beginner in the darkroom this quick startup time is invaluable and allows even short printing sessions that previous set up times would not have allowed.
I use Ilford RC VC papers and presently my developer is Ilford warmtone MG. Although I have got away (for a couple of days) with leaving the dev in the tank with the "top" on the slot, I am aware that the advice is to replace the developer after every session (and this is what I did when working in trays). I'm not sure what I could do to extend the useful life of my present dev, so I have a couple of newbie type questions that I hope you might help with.....
I noticed that stored developer turns from almost clear to ever darkening yellow/brown, could it still be usable until it reaches a certain colour, or can I not see when it is too old?
As a newbie, wrestling with lots of variables (ALL of which conspire to spoil the work) I might not notice the signs of aging. What could these signs be?
If my present dev is not of the type to last well, what could you recommend as a general purpose paper dev which could last a week or two (or more) in a topped tank?
Lastly, I've read posts here about the almost indecent life span of Ansco130, could it be tolerant enough to suit newbie work?

Regards, Dave.......

I don't know if you can still find the Agfa Multicontrast developer. It was rated for machine use. I know in a bottle it lasts basically forever. Just top it up every so often.

If you can't find it look for something rated for machine use.

I recommend that you obtain and use Nova's own developer since it is formulated to work (and last) in their slot tanks. There is no need to drain the developer as long as you use the capping tubes. At the start of each session just top the dev up to the maximum level. The colour of the dev will go very dark - worry not, it will continue working for months.

I use Dektol in my Nova processor. I find that I can go for several months without replacing it completely. I have to add some each session since the level usually drops about an inch. You can tell by the darkness of the prints when the developer has lost its activity.

I'm also using the Nova 8x10 processor, with ordinary Ilford MG developer - it seems to keep fine for at least a month, probably longer, although it does go very brown. I am far stricter about changing the fixer.

erich potgieter said:

I'm also using the Nova 8x10 processor, with ordinary Ilford MG developer - it seems to keep fine for at least a month, probably longer, although it does go very brown. I am far stricter about changing the fixer.

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you can still use it when it looks like dark tea?
Oh, I shudder to think how much I have thrown away because it had a yellow tint

Thanks all for your input.
So I should try my present dev to see how long it will last, even if it turns dark.
What will be a good sign to ditch it? Longer dev times, muddy prints (I can do that with fresh dev....see the problem? )
I will load up this week. If it only lasts for one or two weeks, say 4 sessions of 10 sheets, that would be just fine.

Since you have to top up the unit each time you use it to replenish the 10 to 15ml of developer that leaves on each print, it could be a long time before the developer stops working. I guess if you don't get full development after one minute, then it could be time for a change. At least one month, maybe two, or even three.

fidget said:

Thanks all for your input.
So I should try my present dev to see how long it will last, even if it turns dark.
What will be a good sign to ditch it? Longer dev times, muddy prints (I can do that with fresh dev....see the problem? )
I will load up this week. If it only lasts for one or two weeks, say 4 sessions of 10 sheets, that would be just fine.

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Fidget

Sorry to disappoint, all of the information in this thread is first class...BUT...I'm afraid that the developer you are using, Ilford Warmtone, is not a 'LASTER'

I always use a warmtone developer and have tried most of the ones available on the shelves of photographic retailers. Now I say this only as I find, Ilford's warmtone is the worst for staying fresh (IMHO) One printing session (10 - 12 x 9 1/2 inch sheets in 2 ltr) followed by another, and I am afraid that it goes down the drain. Even removing a litre and replacing it with fresh doesn't do the job. You will see it in your shadows first, or lack of them. And boy 'o' boy does it scum up your NOVA.

I am happy with this performance as I like my results to remain consistant...AND...I love what this developer does to my prints, it gives me the split tones I love.

Follow the others recommendations and change developer if you want one that lasts, follow with what Dave has said, Nova's own being the best, Tetenal being the very close second, again only speaking as 'I' find.

Hope this helps

Regards

Stoo

Stoo Batchelor said:

Fidget

Sorry to disappoint, all of the information in this thread is first class...BUT...I'm afraid that the developer you are using, Ilford Warmtone, is not a 'LASTER'

I always use a warmtone developer and have tried most of the ones available on the shelves of photographic retailers. Now I say this only as I find, Ilford's warmtone is the worst for staying fresh (IMHO) One printing session (10 - 12 x 9 1/2 inch sheets in 2 ltr) followed by another, and I am afraid that it goes down the drain. Even removing a litre and replacing it with fresh doesn't do the job. You will see it in your shadows first, or lack of them. And boy 'o' boy does it scum up your NOVA.

I am happy with this performance as I like my results to remain consistant...AND...I love what this developer does to my prints, it gives me the split tones I love.

Follow the others recommendations and change developer if you want one that lasts, follow with what Dave has said, Nova's own being the best, Tetenal being the very close second, again only speaking as 'I' find.

Hope this helps

Regards

Stoo

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Click to expand...

I just thought I would update my answer from yesterday regarding the use of Ilford Warmtone in a Nova upright.

Yesterday, I started a printing session with fresh chemicals. It was a good session in my eyes, three final prints and a total of about 12 to 15 sheets of 12 x 91/2 inch Ilford fb4 matt paper in 2 litres of developer.

Today, I started another session, about 3 test strips in and 2 prints and it has begun to die away on me. The shadows are no more and as always with this developer, I get strange lines in the shadows.

Now, it is 21.25 at night and to get a final print I have to mix fresh chemicals. I say this because I know from past experience that if I top up the developer, I will only get about 3 to 5 more prints out of it before its final journey down the drain, a very expensive way to work.

I feel Fidget, that a change of developer would do me no harm either.

As always, I hope this helps someone.

Regards

Stoo