Warm tone developer choice

[MSchuler]

I've recently started mixing my own chemistry and am interested in mixing up a warm-tone developer which will complement the Dektol formula I'm currently using. I've been reviewing formulas in the Darkroom Cookbook but am having trouble picking one to start with. Any suggestions? One concern I have is lifespan, as I'm using a Nova slot processor and generally keep chemicals for 4 weeks. The Cookbook doesn't really speak to this issue, except for very short-lived formulas.

 

[david b]

Well...the first one that comes to my mind is Agfa Neutol WA. Not exactly a "mix your own" type of dev but works great with a variety of paper (which you don't mention).

Not sure on lifespan because I normally dump mine when I am done.

 

[Bruce Osgood]

I've recently started mixing my own chemistry and am interested in mixing up a warm-tone developer which will complement the Dektol formula I'm currently using. I've been reviewing formulas in the Darkroom Cookbook but am having trouble picking one to start with.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'complement Dektol', but if you are looking to use a warm-tone developer in a two step development process with Dektol as the 'Hard" developer, or if you are simply looking for a warm-tone developer as a single developer, I strongly suggest Kodaks' Selectrol Soft. This is listed in the Cookbook as Formula #98 and contains suggestions on softening it even further.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

I've recently started mixing my own chemistry and am interested in mixing up a warm-tone developer which will complement the Dektol formula I'm currently using. I've been reviewing formulas in the Darkroom Cookbook but am having trouble picking one to start with. Any suggestions? One concern I have is lifespan, as I'm using a Nova slot processor and generally keep chemicals for 4 weeks. The Cookbook doesn't really speak to this issue, except for very short-lived formulas.

Check out the APUG Chemistry Recipes section.

The Ilford ID-78 formulation should have good working life, and it is an excellent warm tone developer.

A number of other good warm tone developer formulations are listed there as well.

 

[david b]

To be a total geek...doesn't dektol get "warmer" the higher the temperature?

 

[Alex Hawley]

Since you are mixing your own, you ought to try the PPPD developer created by APUGers Don Miller and Jorge. I've been using it extensively and love it. Just finished printing a series on Kodak Polymax FineArt FB and they came out with a very nice subtle warm tone. Slightly cooler than Ilford Warm Tone paper but with all (even better) the subtle fine highlights I see in the Ilford paper. Here's a couple threads giving the formula and some comments (I throw in 4 grams citric acid per liter for a preservative-works very well):

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Ole]

Gevaert G262 is a good choise. Should last for quite a while - at least mine did!

For a good neutral-warm extraddep tone try Ansco 130 - if you can get Glycin. That one lasts "forever".

 

[Lee Shively]

Off-the-shelf LPD has a long lifespan and the dilution determines the warmth.

 

[CraigK]

My vote goes to Edwal Platinum ll.

It is my go-to dev. for Ilford Warmtone and Forte warm tone.

Imparts a very nice, warm, delicate tone to both papers.

 

[Brook]

Ansco 130 with a bit of extra bromide. The glycin will help with slot life.

 

[AndrewH]

Nuetol WA

Has the longest shelf life of any developer that I have used (longer than Dektol, Ilford, LPD, Ultra Black).