Using Ilford machine chemicals in trays with fiber paper

[adelorenzo]

I just acquired a couple of massive jugs of Ilford chemicals, one is 2000RT developer and the other is 2150XL fixer. My understanding is that these are used for processing RC prints in some kind of machines.

Any reason not to use them for processing fibre paper in trays?

My other concern is using them up before they go off, I guess I'll have to do more printing...

 

[MartinP]

In principle they should work fine. You would have a different effect than a warmtone or coldtone specialised developer, and you might want to try different dilutions as in the Ilfospeed machines development is quite quick (46 seconds at 20C, but that's RC paper of course). The data sheet for the developer is here. The datasheet for the fixer is here. The fixer is non-hardening, which is ideal for avoiding excessive washing times with fibre-paper.

So far as the size is concerned, try to find multiple smaller bottles and fill those (without air gaps, so near as possible) then you have effectively solved the problem of having a half-full container of developer for weeks while you use it up. The largest pack-size available for the developer is 205 litres (more than fifty US gallons), so if you have one of those splitting it down might not be practical!!

 

[MattKing]

I've never worked with the Ilford version of the machine print processor chemicals, but the Kodak chemistry I did use in the past was quite strong.

I'd suggest that gloves are mandatory, and you might find the fumes objectionable.

Those who have actually used the Ilford chemistry should feel free to correct me if necessary .

 

[adelorenzo]

Thanks for the replies!

When I say massive I meant 5L jugs = 25L of working solution. No barrels or anything. But compared to what I usually work with they are massive. I'll try breaking them down into 1L bottles and go from there.

The developer I have been using for paper (some kind of old Agfa stuff) I've been going 1+4 for 90 seconds, so I'll try that with the Ilford to start and see how it works.

 

[MartinP]

You would be better to start with 1+9 or 1+14 I think. But try it and see of course.

 

[Mike Wilde]

The developer is formulated to be resistant to aerial oxidation, to work in the roller processor with the spray bars, etc.

So I would treat it like a high strength version of Dektol.

Even once dilute it is likely ok to keep in jugs, or in trays covered in saran wrap for a few days between a few different session before tossing it as exhausted.

When I tried adapting conventional developers for us in my roller transport the one I found to last best was Ansco 130. The glycin in it, as long as it is warmer than 20C, is quite a good devloper and very resistant to oxidation once in solutuon. My processor, a Fujimoto CP31 runs the tanks at 24C even with the heaters turned off due to solution heating from the pump motor waste heat, I guess.

 

[adelorenzo]

It just occurred to me that I do own a big drum processing system so I suppose that having a lot of chemicals would be a reason to try to figure out how it works. It just seems like overkill for the printing that I do.

Thanks Martin I'll try 1+9 as a starting point with the developer.

 

[adelorenzo]

You guys were right it ended up being pretty strong stuff. 1+9 for the developer was giving my development times 60-75 seconds with different papers.