Source for CD-1?

[srs5694]

Hi,

As described in (there was a url link here which no longer exists) I recently bought some out-of-date Svema CND64 color negative film to play with. I'm obviously not expecting stellar results, but if possible I'd like to try developing it the "right" way. I've got most of the information I need to process it (though a few details are still foggy or could use confirmation), but the developer formula calls for CD-1, and I'm having trouble tracking down a source for that. Can anybody point me to a supplier who'll sell a small quantity (25g would probably be plenty, but I'll buy more if necessary -- just not barrelfuls of the stuff!) to an individual? Or if you've got some sitting unused that you'd like to get rid of, I'd be happy to take it off your hands. I'm in the US, so a US supplier is preferred. Thanks for any pointers!

Failing CD-1, what's my best bet for developing such a film? Could I substitute another CD (I've got CD-3 and CD-4 on hand) in the formula, and if so at what ratio? Using standard RA-4 or C-41 (at room temperature to avoid damaging the emulsion) is obviously another possibility.

 

[Murray Kelly]

My 1975 BJP Annual says that Agfacolor CN17 'is processed in the same manner as Agfacolor CNS' and that uses Diethyl paraphenylenediamine according to the accompanying spiel.

I'd say, use the ones you've got. Prolly better.

My memory of using PPD in the late 50's was that I bought it for reversal mainly and B&W secondarily. For all I know CD-1 may be plain ol' PPD.

Murray

 

[srs5694]

My memory of using PPD in the late 50's was that I bought it for reversal mainly and B&W secondarily. For all I know CD-1 may be plain ol' PPD.

It is, at least according to various sources. The clearest of these is this page, which pins down the CAS number: 6283-63-2. (Minor spelling differences make Web searches on the full chemical name tricky.) Using that, I was able to find three suppliers of small quantities in the US, but I've yet to contact any of them, so I don't yet know if they'll sell to an individual (vs. a business, university, etc.). I'll post more when I know....

 

[Photo Engineer]

In order of activity you have CD-1, CD-4, CD-6 and CD-3 with 4 and 6 about tied. So, if you substitute CD-3 for CD-1 and everything else is equal, development is likely to be very weak with the CD-3. In CD-1 you have a very active developer, with low dye stability and high chance of getting dermatitis.

PE

 

[Murray Kelly]

Yes, everything I read about PPD is the dermatitis danger, yet it's used widely still, in hair dyes etc. Mind you the few times I used it I survived intact.

Murray

 

[Ian Grant]

I have quite a bit of CD-1 but hadn't checked it for sometime, unfortunately much of it seems to have deteriorated even in sealed 25g containers. Unfortunately I haven't time to sort out a good batch now until sometime in September/October when I'm next in the UK.

There will be CD-1 2, 3, 4 and Mydochrome, Genochrome available at nominal prices in 25g batches.

Ian

 

[Photo Engineer]

Yes, due to its activity, CD1 deteriorates rapidly. Also, the dye hues with CD1 are quite different than those from the other developing agents due to the methyl group on the ring. The dyes with CD1 are not twisted on their plane and therefore have different hues and different dye stabilities, generally poorer.

CD1 in hair dyes has actually been precoupled IIRC and therfore is in the dye form which is much less toxic. In any event, it can still cause unpleasant reactions in some. They react it to form the colored dyes that go into the hair.

PE

 

[srs5694]

In terms of my original question, the three US suppliers of small quantities of CD-1 that I've found are, in order of increasing price:

• Alpha Aesar at $21.50 for 50g. Unfortunately, when I called they said they wouldn't ship to a residential address.
• Spectrum Chemical at $26.55 for 25g. I managed to place an order via their Web form, but I'll believe I'll actually get it when I get a confirmation that it's shipped.
• Science Lab at $61.23 for 100g. That's less than Spectrum on a gram-per-gram basis, but the 100g minimum quantity means it would cost me more (and the others are less expensive when ordering more, too). Their Web site at least mentions sales to individuals (they sell educational kits like chemistry sets). I haven't tried ordering from them.

I think I'll bookmark the last two of these sites in case I need something else exotic in the future.

 

[srs5694]

An update: Spectrum phoned me and said they wouldn't ship to a residence. I've gritted my teeth and ordered from Science Lab. Their Web site looks more friendly to individuals, but I'm still not 100% positive they'll ship the stuff....

 

[Photo Engineer]

Kyantec chemicals and the Photographers Formulary will special order. I have used both for some pretty rare chemistry.

PE

 

[srs5694]

I asked the Formulary and they said they couldn't help me. (I did just place an order with them for a bunch of other stuff, though.) I'll check with Kyantec if Science Lab falls through, and maybe check again with the Formulary. Perhaps they'd order from one of the sources I've identified and then ship it back out to me if they don't have to track it down themselves....

Also FWIW, at least one of the pages I found on this developer specifies that CD-1 should be refrigerated for storage. I'm reluctant to put the stuff in my one fridge, which I use for food, so I'll just try to use the CD-1 (and therefore the film that requires it) quickly instead.