What can you tell me about Kodak D-166 paper developer, compared to Ansco 130 ?

[Alex Benjamin]

I'm working with both Ilford's MG FB Classic matt and Foma's Ilfobrom Variant 112 (matt), and am looking to control the warmth of the image through the paper developer — I'm not overly found of warmtone papers, but would like to add just a touch of warmth to the some of the images I'm working on.

Naked Photographer's video on D-166 intrigued me, as he shows warmth diminishing with time. Got me a bit confused, as The Darkroom Cookbook describes it as "Red-Brown paper developer".

Anybody has experience with this developer?

Would a developer such as Ansco 130 give me such control? About 130, TDC states that "The tone will vary, depending upon the paper and adjustements made to the chemistry," but doesn't give specific details.

 

[Alex Benjamin]

Bueller?....


Bueller?...

 

[MarkS]

I think you're going to have to try some D-166 and see if you like it.
The answer you're looking for is subjective and personal, and different images often require different levels of "warmth". So there may not be only one answer...
Ansco 130 has many adherents, but I've used it very little and won't offer advice.
Photographer's Formulary offers several warm-tone paper developers, including their version of the old Kodak Selectol.
And of course then there's toning to consider...
Best of luck!

 

[Paul Howell]

AA use to mix Dektol with Selectol to control both contrast and warmth.