What developer for what

[Ian Grant]

I'll have to see if I can find a copy of the book, the local library doesn't have it, and Indigo doesn't have it in stock.... They may be able to come up with used copies, but that's always a crap shoot

Try borrowing a copy first, it's a strange book not to everyone's liking. It doesn't contain that much in the way of useful information that isn't covered far better in other publications.

BTW essentially on page 86 Thornton is saying that there are 3 corners of a triangle Speed, Graininess, Sharpness, and that to improve one can be at the expense of one or both of the others. In practice photographers have always been chasing a magic bullet a developer that gives exceptionally fine grain, excellent sharpness and definition, plenty of tonality and no loss of effective film speed. Thornton has missed Tonality out of his mix.

Ian

 

[Paul Verizzo]

I'll have to see if I can find a copy of the book, the local library doesn't have it, and Indigo doesn't have it in stock.... They may be able to come up with used copies, but that's always a crap shoot

"The Edge of Darkness", $5 and up: http://www.amazon.com/Edge-Darkness...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227621897&sr=8-1

I bought this about a year ago and consider it one of my most valuable books. Not just for the knowledge it contains, but one can see the spiritual component of Thornton's life and his work. Very sad he died so young.

As to developers (the topic) Thornton's favorite that was not a creation of his was Perceptol (Microdol-X), I think diluted 1:3. Now, he worked with MF mostly, so the mileage may vary for 35mm. Heck, it might even be better!

As to the comment about dilution increasing grain, well, yes. That's why the sharpness goes up, the grains are less mushy. If you start out with 100 grams of sodium sulfite like in D-76, the fine grain maker, at 1:3 it is obviously now only 25 grams. But I wouldn't worry about all this shooting anything slower than Tri-X in conventional grain films. Me, I like the sharpness.

 

[Anon Ymous]

Thanks for the verification Paul.

 

[Anscojohn]

D-23 used as a one shot works well at 1:7; solution volume
500ml. My times 16 minutes, 72 F, 16 rolls per liter stock
strength. That's for Across. Other film's times will vary.

It may also be used dilute as a paper developer.
Some papers may need a wee pinch of potassium bromide.
Although overly high with sulfite the addition of some sodium
carbonate will yield an Ansco 120/Beer's 1 type paper developer.
With the carbonate but with out the bromide you'll have a FX-1/
Beutler's type Film developer. D-23 is a high sulfite developer
used at low dilutions. At 1:7 it is a low sulfite developer. Dan

*********
We are on the same wavelength. DK25R replenisher 1:10 would probably be just about the same as D23 1:7.

Perhaps I am just a dinosaur who comes out to look at the Xtol-gewiz-snow, but my thought has always been that when my very old-fashioned materials do not do what I need them to do, I will explore other possibilities. For a film developer for all seasons, though, having D23 and DK25R mixed and ready, is hard to beat. I may be a neo-Luddite but I do not think myself narrow-minded, particularly. On 35 mm or roll film, over the years I have used Acufine, UFG, Neofin Red and Blue, D-76, Dalzell-Stöckler, Microdol-X, Versatol, HC110, Beutlers, FG-7; Atomal, Rodinal, Rodinal-Special (phew, I think that's it--I don't have my notebook handy).
Although I have negatives that print what I wish to say souped with virtually all the film developers mentioned above; I find that the majority of my images I find worthwhile have been souped in replenished D23: it is the most "forgiving" film developer I have ever used.
Best get off my soap box.

 

[michaelbsc]

Here's one more vote for pick a combination and stick with it until you have some time under your belt. I use DD-X because the only remaining local shop carries Ilford, and it's a good developer. If the only thing he had was something junky I would probably mail-order, but I might still choose DD-X. I've grown to like it very well.

MB

 

[jim appleyard]

AnscoJohn, D-23 is great! Simple, flexible and cheap. I find that I always go back to the simple things, D-23, D-76, Rodinal. Why? Because they work! Lots of good films and devs out there, use what works and make no apologies.