Does anyone have any experience developing contact speed paper in Beers two bath developer? I always read about Ansco 130 and Amidol (I currently use Amidol) but am interested in trying the Beers for more contrast control. Any experiences?
Also, how often do you folks use Amidol to develop your enlarging papers?
Do you want more contrast
control or just more contrast? If the former, use amidol with a water bath. This yields complete contrast control; that is, you can obtain any contrast between grades 2 and 3 by developing grade 3 and reducing contrast with water bath.
If, on the other hand, you need more contrast (which is what photographers usually mean when they say "contrast control") I'd go to enlarging paper. The small supply I have of Azo grade 4 has lost most of its kick over the years. It's barely distinguishable from grade 3 at this point. Better to use a high quality enlarging paper such as Ilford Multigrade Warmtone.