Replenish / re-use of Ilfochrome P30.2 solutions

[Tom Kershaw]

I recently received my first P30.2 kits and 8x10" paper. Running through the Jobo ATL-2300, the minimum solution quantity is 110ml which equates to approximately 18 prints per kit, significantly less than quoted capacity. Is running 2 prints through 150ml viable, i.e. reusing the chemistry once? - this usage pattern would equate to 26 prints per kit.

Tom

 

[davetravis]

Tom,
I do 20x24's using the big drum and do 50% dump/new chems on each step.
They come out identical, and I get 6 prints per kit.
I suggest a 30 sec wash after the blx to minimize carry-over.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

On Wednesday I made eight Ilfochrome prints, 4 through a fresh batch of 600ml solution volume, and then 4 through the same 600ml a second time around. 140ml being pumped into the Jobo 2830 tank.

Solution use and black level:

1. Fresh solution, blacks "very black".

2. Reused solution print '2B', slightly less black.

3. '3B' less black again.

4. '4B' - not black.

I can understand why the reused chemistry might give differing results to the first batch, but why the varying black level as prints progress through the second batch?

Tom