Replacement for Ilford Cooltone Developer?

Ben 4 · May 5, 2008

Which of the commercially available cold tone developers have you found most effective in providing moderate cooling with Ilford MGWT fiber paper? I have just rediscovered this paper, and recall that many here liked the way it looked when processed in Ilford's then new (and now out of production) Cooltone developer.

So, anyone using MGWT in a cold tone developer? It looks as if Edwal Ultra Black, Clayton Ultra Cold Tone, and Zonal Pro Factor One are the most obvious candidates from the usual on-line sources in the U.S. (sadly, Tetenal's paper developers don't seem to be available here), but other suggestions are welcome.

For reference, I'm currently using Bromophen as my standard developer.

--Ben

Gary Holliday · May 5, 2008

If you are looking for something similar try Ilford PQ Universal and add some Benzatriazole.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

jim appleyard · May 5, 2008

IIRC, there are some recipes (if you're into homebrew) in Anchells"Darkroom Cookbook".

Ben 4 · May 5, 2008

Thanks, Gary, that's a very useful thread. (Oddly enough it did not show up in the search I did!)

Ben

UKJohn · May 5, 2008

Hi,

I really loved the Ilford Cooltone Dev in combination with their Warmtone FB paper and then selenuim toned. Although I have a few bottles left I have been trying different developers. I'm not sure whether its a direct replacement but I recently used some AGFA Neutol (NE) with Warmtone paper and got some very pleasing results. So much so I've just order a few more bottle. It might be worth considering.

Cheers

John

craigclu · May 5, 2008

Ben 4 said:
Which of the commercially available cold tone developers have you found most effective in providing moderate cooling with Ilford MGWT fiber paper?

--Ben

I finally got the look that I was after on this paper with Ansco 130. I'm sorry that I'm off your question about commercially available options but if you become frustrated in that quest, keep the potential of the 130 open. I've settled on the benzotriazole version that's been discussed on APUG elsewhere.

G.M.B. · May 5, 2008

Never having tried the combination of a cool tone developer with a warm tone paper, I'm wondering what the resulting images look what. What type of effect does that create?

GMB

Woolliscroft · May 6, 2008

Has the cooltone dev gone? Ilford's web site still list it and I was able to buy some with no trouble a couple of weeks ago.

David.

Travis Nunn · May 6, 2008

Woolliscroft said:
Has the cooltone dev gone? Ilford's web site still list it and I was able to buy some with no trouble a couple of weeks ago.

David.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

ooze · May 6, 2008

Wow, I hadn't noticed that Ilford Cooltone is now gone!

Nevertheless, I think Ilford MGWT in a cooltone developer is a killer combination and one of my absolute favourites. I'm using Tetenal Eukobrom ...it's a shame that it's not available in the States.

I much prefer MGWT+Eukobrom instead of the regular MGFB + Bromophen (or Dektol, or PQ). The tones just come out richer.

Silverhead · May 6, 2008

Arista Premium Ultra Cold Tone developer works really well, IMHO. Freestyle sells it and I remember both Henry Gilpin and Rod Dresser singing its praises a few years ago. It can take a warm tone paper and zap it right over to neutral/cool tone...I personally saw it do this to Agfa Classic quite handily.

eclarke · May 6, 2008

MGWT cooltone

Ben 4 said:
Which of the commercially available cold tone developers have you found most effective in providing moderate cooling with Ilford MGWT fiber paper? I have just rediscovered this paper, and recall that many here liked the way it looked when processed in Ilford's then new (and now out of production) Cooltone developer.

So, anyone using MGWT in a cold tone developer? It looks as if Edwal Ultra Black, Clayton Ultra Cold Tone, and Zonal Pro Factor One are the most obvious candidates from the usual on-line sources in the U.S. (sadly, Tetenal's paper developers don't seem to be available here), but other suggestions are welcome.

For reference, I'm currently using Bromophen as my standard developer.

--Ben

Hi Ben,
If you can mix your own, this is really pretty good.

Ansco 130

Water (125 degrees F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 ml
Metol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 g
Sodium Sulfite (Anhydrous) . . . . . . . . . 50 g
Hydroquinone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 g
Sodium Carbonate (Anhydrous) . . . . . 78 g
Benzotriazole 1% solution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 cc
Glycin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 g
Cold Water to make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 liter

I mix 1+3 and develop at 71 deg. F. for 2 minutes (or snatch it when you are happy)..
Evan Clarke

Chazzy · May 6, 2008

ooze said:
Nevertheless, I think Ilford MGWT in a cooltone developer is a killer combination and one of my absolute favourites.

I've seen this reported by multiple users, but I don't understand what you all are doing. If you want cold-tone results, why not start with a colder paper? What is it about the combination of a warm paper and cold developer that you like?

craigclu · May 6, 2008

Chazzy said:
I've seen this reported by multiple users, but I don't understand what you all are doing. If you want cold-tone results, why not start with a colder paper? What is it about the combination of a warm paper and cold developer that you like?

My experience is that it adds some punch where this paper can look a bit muddy. The blacks (with BZT version 130) get a velvety, deep look while still retaining detail. I especially like the skin tone values.... With PyroCat negatives (on primarily HP5+ 120), the 3 dimensional look is quite easy to attain. I stumbled into an almost lifetime supply of this paper (and I'm not toooo old) and had been frustrated in getting results that I liked until I tried this combo. It may not be for everyone, but I find it quite appealing for a wide range of subjects. It still holds some warmth but in a much more dramatic manner.

Ben 4 · May 7, 2008

I appreciate all the suggestions (I'm the original poster). I have used the Formulary version of 130 in the past, so I'll either try mixing that up with the Benzotriazole or giving the Edwal a go.

A question for the chemists. Is it possible to add dry Benzotriazole when making up the 130 developer? If so, how much would I want?

--Ben

Ian Grant · May 7, 2008

It's not that practical adding dry Benzotriazole, as thevquantities used are quite small, it's far better to keep a stock solution and add from that. Ilford IBT solution is 10gm Benzotriazole dissolved in a 1% solution of Sodium Carbonate (anhyd).

Try adding 10 ml per litre of working strenght developer, add further amounts to suit your needs.

Ian

ooze · May 8, 2008

Chazzy said:
I've seen this reported by multiple users, but I don't understand what you all are doing. If you want cold-tone results, why not start with a colder paper? What is it about the combination of a warm paper and cold developer that you like?

Well, it's rather difficult to describe. Craig has done a good job at that. I can add that the tonal qualities are different than what I get with a neutral tone paper and neutral developer. To my eye, the tones are very rich, very deep. As always, it's all a matter of opinion and taste of course.

For the record, the now gone Forte Polywarmtone + cold tone developer gave a similar beautiful tonality.

Cheers,
omar

Replacement for Ilford Cooltone Developer?

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