Topping up Ethol LPD

logan2z

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I've recently started using Ethol LPD for developing prints and really like it's tray life. I'm using 2L of working strength (1:4) developer in a 12x16" tray for making 11x14" prints. I'm wondering if there's anything special that needs to be done in order to top up the developer once the volume has dropped due to absorption into the paper. The developer still seems active even after the level has dropped to the point where topping up is necessary to cover the paper. Is it simply a matter of topping up with a sufficient amount of freshly mixed working strength developer? That's what I was doing when I was using Ilford Multigrade Developer in a Nova slot processor (according to Nova's instructions). Am I correct in assuming that this approach will work equally well with LPD and tray processing?
 

Kino

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I don't see why not. The open surface area of the tray might oxidize the developer a bit quicker, but LPD has a very deep reserve of developer strength in my experience.

I am running a Nova and just add back 1/3 an ounce per print I develop, as per the Nova instructions. Been almost 2 years now, no problems...
 

mshchem

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Assuming that you put the developer back into your 2L bottle after every printing session there's absolutely nothing wrong with topping off the bottle with fresh working solution. LPD has excellent keeping properties when kept in a full bottle. No sense wasting good developer. If things start to look washed out could be the developer is oxidized, then make fresh.
 

MattKing

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Just make sure that the replenishing solution mixes well with the already used solution.
I use a 2 litre graduate as an intermediate container when emptying the tray. It yells me how much the volume is reduced from the 1.9 litres I use (due to my containers actually being 2 US quarts). That tells me how much replenisher to add first to the bottle, followed by pouring the transferred tray contents into the bottle thereafter, thus ensuring mixing.
 

Kino

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I have a long glass rod I use to mix the stock replenisher into the slot of the Nova. Also use it to agitate the tank a few minutes before I start using the unit.

A small dry erase board is used to keep track of sheets processed in that session and I top it off at the end of the session before I put the floating tubes and cling wrap on the machine for the night.
 

Tim Stapp

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Do a search here for "LPD Replenished." My darkroom is still in boxes, so I can't look up my notes.
 
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