Sharp pyro developer that gives full film speed

[mcfactor]

Hi,

As the title suggests, I am looking for a pyro developer that is at least as sharp as Rodinal and/or Beutler's, but give full film speed.

Has anyone used the Pyrocat-P or -M varieties (I found old threads about it from when it was first announced, but none since '06)?

I have tried pyrocat HD and, while I like it, I had to rate my film at half the speed, which I would rather not do.

I just moved up to 8x10 and am doing a lot of contact printing, mostly on graded paper.

I like my current developer, but am curious about pyro.

Before you tell me to try it for myself, I am. I ordered a bunch of chemicals, but wanted to get some ideas as well.

Thanks,

Noah

 

[Rick A]

I dont know why you needed to rate your film at half speed for Pyrocat-HD, I use it all the time for a variety of films, and rate them all at full speed. I did however have to find a decent time that didn't give thin looking negatives, tho while they looked thin, were easily printed. The times and temps I use now give very robust negatives that print easily on grades 2-3. I've been shooting PlusX, Arista EDU Ultra 100, Arista II 400, Delta 100, Acros 100, Efke PL 100, Adox CHS 25 & 100. The only film I'm not using it for is Ortho films, but I may give it a try soon. I have a couple of boxes of Ilford Ortho+ 4x5 I'm about to break into.

 

[gainer]

Pyrocat MC is later than '06. I wrote about it and Sandy King has written about it.

 

[PhotoJim]

"Pyro" generally refers to pyrogallol - are you intending to include it?

Pyrocatechin aka catechol is a different chemical, similar but not identical.

 

[patrickjames]

I have been using Pyrocat-P for a couple of years now for all my larger format negs. Never have any film speed problems, and the sharpness is outstanding. I am a lifelong user of Rodinal for what it is worth.