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Sadly, 130 makes me nauseous. Which chemical is responsible?

thedancefloor

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So I tried 130 from PF, and it makes me nauseous very quickly. The only other paper developer that I've used is Ilford Multigrade, and I was ok, but it does not look as nice as 130.

Which chemical do you think is the culprit? Which developer should I try instead? Could I mix up my 130 with a substitute chemical?
 

Rick A

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I'm a big fan of Ethol LPD paper developer. You can control the look by dilution without having any effect on developing time. Stock to 1+1 gives a nice cold tone, while greater dilutions show as warm tones.
Is it the odor or skin contact that makes you ill?
 

removed account4

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try using dektol
i remember someone here on apug did a side by side
test of the two developers and the prints were virtually indistinguishable.

dektol and 130 are similar, 130 has glycin, dektol doesn't ..
 
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thedancefloor

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Thanks for the replies. I think its the odor that makes me ill.

I'll give Dektol a try and report back.
 

TheFlyingCamera

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If it's the odor, just get a good respirator mask and use cartridges rated for organic chemicals. I switched from Dektol to 130 because I couldn't stand the greenish tint I was getting in my shadow areas from the bromides in the developer. Ansco 130 does NOT do that. Try calling Artcraft or Bostick & Sullivan and ask about a 130 kit- either one might have an alternative solution for you.
 

Bruce Osgood

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thedancefloor said:
Thanks for the replies. I think its the odor that makes me ill.

I'll give Dektol a try and report back.
Click to expand...

The essential difference between Dektol and Ansco 130 is added Glycin to make the 130. If you are successful with Dektol then your problem may be with Glycin. I don't know the affects Glycin may have on people.
 
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thedancefloor

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Ugh... I just tried Dektol, and I get the same feeling. Is it the Metol? HQ? I know that I'm ok with Ilford Multigrade, but I'd love to use something that looks like 130. Maybe next time I order some supplies, I'll try LPD.

What's the difference btw Dektol and Multigrade?
 

pgomena

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I think it's the metol that is most allergenic. Try switching to print and film developers containing phenidone. I had a classmate once who was so allergic to developers his eyes would start to swell shut just walking through the photo lab.

Peter Gomena
 
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thedancefloor

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Thanks for the help everyone. I've searched the forums, and there are a few posts with recommendations for metol-free developers. For now I'll use the Multigrade, and try something else when I make an order.

But damn, if you're allergic to it, this Metol stuff sure sneaks up on you, and the icky feeling last for hours... And everyone's favorite developers have it. D76, Dektol, 130!

I guess I haven't tried the respirator yet. When I do, I'll post again.
 

semi-ambivalent

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thedancefloor,

I used to use a respirator back when I was selenium toning all my work (don't even know if inhalation was a vector), and it was pretty easy to get used to wearing it. Best of luck if you try that route.

s-a
 

vpwphoto

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A few CFM's of cross draft exhaust ventilation over the sink would fix things.
 
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thedancefloor

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Yeah, a respirator, more ventilation, and that slot processor I've been pining for, might allow me to use 130 or dektol.

Thanks!

Dallas
 

vpwphoto

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The FIRST concern in designing a darkroom should be the vent. It doesn't have to be a lot of airflow (especially with B+W). My first darkroom cave I used a 8" computer cabinate fan with a duct over the darkroom sink venting to the larger (and drafty) outer basement. Just one human in a closed up darkroom can eat up a lot of the available oxygen and start to give you a headache.
 

Wayne

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You can mix up your own phenidone version of 130, but that will give you more direct exposure to other chemicals.
 
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