Use of Paterson Acutol as a stand developer

[Lachlan Young]

Does anyone know if Paterson's Acutol developer can be used as a stand developer and if so what sort of dilution/ times etc? The standard dilutions are between 1:9 and 1:14.

Lachlan

 

[gainer]

Does anyone know if Paterson's Acutol developer can be used as a stand developer and if so what sort of dilution/ times etc? The standard dilutions are between 1:9 and 1:14.

Lachlan

In my recent experience, I have used several different developers for the so-called semi-stand method with good results. None of them was specifically designed for that. The secret, I think, is to dilute the developer to the point where the maximum contrast you can get by extended development with agitation (development to completion is what you call it when you're making prints) is your target contrast. For Acutol, I would begin with about 1:30, which should cut the maximum contrast (we used to call it Gamma Infinity) considerably and give pretty good results with medium speed films at 30 minutes, 68 F with a few seconds of vigorous agitation at 0, 10 and 20 minutes. But for goodness' sake, test it on a throwaway before you try something iportant.