Stupid Mixing Question

[aaronmichael]

Just bought some Kodak Dektol powder developer and also some Kodak fixer. The packaging on the Dektol says mix one part concentrate with two parts water. I must be having an off day because I can not think of what units I should be measuring in. The whole bag makes a gallon of developer, but there's not half a gallon of powder, is there? I know once this gets answered I'm really going to regret posting it - hahah. I can figure out exposure times when the aperture is f/436 with an ISO 15 but I can't figure this out!

 

[Ian Grant]

The units you mix in don't matter at all. However of it's a 5 litre or 1 gallon pack that's what you make up the concentate as. After that it' just 1+ whatever.

Ian

 

[mwdake]

Measure out about 3 liters of warm water, about 100F.
Add the entire contents of the package and stir until all the powder is dissolved then add cold water until the total is 3.8 liters or 1 gallon and let it cool to room temperature.

This makes what is known as the stock solution.

Now it is ready to use at 1 part stock solution per 2 parts water, this is called the working solution.
The units don't matter, use ml or oz to make up how much you need for your tray.

You can use Dektol at 1 to 1, 1 to 2 or 1 to 3, higher dilution will be slightly warmer tone and less contrast.

 

[aaronmichael]

Got it - thanks. Why does most of it needed to be added to warm water first?

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Got it - thanks. Why does most of it needed to be added to warm water first?

Most deverloper powders are added to warm water because they dissolve faster without a lot of stirring. Once dissolved it would be pointless to add more warm water

 

[aaronmichael]

Makes sense. Therefore it's not a big deal if my mixing temperature is off a little bit? I'm not sure if I have a thermometer laying around that I could use.

 

[brucemuir]

Makes sense. Therefore it's not a big deal if my mixing temperature is off a little bit? I'm not sure if I have a thermometer laying around that I could use.

I think they give a 20-30 degree F window.
Get as close as possible though, too cold and some chemicals will give you a hard time dissolving.

 

[tkamiya]

Dektol bag says 32 - 38C or 90 - 100F. I wouldn't go substantially higher or lower but being little off is OK. Stick your finger in it and if it feels neutral, you are basically ok.

 

[Worker 11811]

I don't see the need (for me) to use distilled water in making up my Dektol. I have been using it up pretty fast, lately, and our water quality is fairly good. I just use tap water. I let the hot water run for a minute and use it like that.

 

[MattKing]

Just bought some Kodak Dektol powder developer and also some Kodak fixer. The packaging on the Dektol says mix one part concentrate with two parts water. I must be having an off day because I can not think of what units I should be measuring in. The whole bag makes a gallon of developer, but there's not half a gallon of powder, is there? I know once this gets answered I'm really going to regret posting it - hahah. I can figure out exposure times when the aperture is f/436 with an ISO 15 but I can't figure this out!

If the Dektol is in current packaging there should be a diagram on the front which tells you how to mix the stock solution.

It is above where it says "dilute one part stock solution with 2 parts water".

This is from B & H's listing:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/27029.jpg

 

[bsdunek]

And, get yourself a good photo thermometer or two!!!

 

[Steve Smith]

And, get yourself a good photo thermometer or two!!!

Just get one. If you get two, you will be forever confused!


Steve.

 

[artonpaper]

Bear in mind that if you mix powdered fixer at too high a temperature, it may turn milky white. That usually clears. Stay close to suggested temperatures and be patient.