What's your developer of choice?

[Eric Rose]

Pyrocat-HD for 90% of my stuff with D-76 rounding it out. Every once in awhile I get kinky and use Rodinal LOL.

 

[2F/2F]

My standard developer is Ilfotec HC, and formerly Kodak HC-110, which is near identical.

Before that, I used D-76, and then ID-11.

Both are good. I like HC better because it is more convenient, more consistent, more contrasty, and I always get near 100% use out of the bottle.

I think I remember figuring out one time that at dilution B, it is actually not cheaper than D-76 1:1. This is assuming 100% usage of the D-76.

I will go through the math again to make sure.

HC-110, dilution B (1:31): $14.69 makes four U.S. gallons of working solution, or $0.92 per U.S. quart.

D-76, 1:1: $6.09 makes two U.S. gallons of working solution, or $0.76 per U.S. quart.

Ilfotec HC, 1:31: $38.99 makes 32 L of working solution, or $1.22 per liter.

ID-11, 1:1: $10.99 makes 10 L of working solution, or $1.10 per liter.

So, Kodak D-76 is the most economical developer, assuming 100% usage.

Additionally, if you use raw chemicals, you can easily make D-76 much cheaper, while the formula for HC is not published.

You can also use higher dilutions of any of these developers.

For some reason, Freestyle lists the 16 oz. HC-110 as making two gallons. This is a mistake due to lack of clarity. It does not do this unless you are using dilution A. It makes 1/2 gallon of stock solution. 1/2 gallon of stock solution mixed 1:7 into dilution B makes four gallons of working solution.

Here is what Freestyle has to say about HC-110 (same as Ilfotec HC):

"Fine grain, sharp working formula supplied as syrupy liquid concentrate. Good enough for Ansel Adams! Kodak HC-110 is a liquid-concentrate film developer introduced around 1965 and widely used ever since, particularly in photojournalism and fine-art photography.HC-110's selling points are ease of use, versatility, and reliability. The concentrate keeps for years; it's easy to mix up enough developer for one roll at a time; all types of black-and-white film can be developed with HC-110; and results are consistent. Compared to D-76, this chart indicates that HC-110 (dilution B) produces: Slightly less shadow detail or true film speed; Slightly finer grain; Slightly lower acutance. Where HC-110 really shines is in scientific work or push-processing, where film is deliberately overdeveloped to increase contrast and speed. HC-110 gives surprisingly little fog even with very prolonged development."

...and about D-76 (same as ID-11):

"For general use

Yields full emulsion speed and good shadow detail with normal contrast

Moderately fine grain, excellent development latitude

Replenish with KODAK PROFESSIONAL Replenisher D-76R

For normal or push processing

Powder"

 

[Brandon D.]

XTOL 1+1

 

[removed account4]

sprint film developer is what a lot of high schools and universities
use. it is a metol free developer that is kind of like d76 ( but not exactly ).
it is very forgiving, and a liquid that mixes 1 to 9 of water.
sprint systems of photography is an apug sponsor, and you can order it
directly from their website, if a photo store near you doesn't have it.

it was the first developer i used, and now, 30 years later, i use it for film
i process for clients.

 

[fotch]

I use to use Ethol UFG Developer when I live in Chicago, use to get it at Central Camera. Then we moved out to the country and I could only find D76. I liked them both but only have used D76 since. I should try UFG again and compare. Buy it MO. its still around.

Anyone useing UFG?

 

[RalphLambrecht]

This thread reveals that there are too many developers in the world. No wonder, nobody can make any money with them. The business is split 1,000 ways.

 

[Rick A]

Tried and true D-76 or any cloned "76" formulae. Dont worry about shelf life I mixed a gallon about six months ago and its still very viable.
Rick

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

This thread reveals that there are too many developers in the world. No wonder, nobody can make any money with them. The business is split 1,000 ways.

I have to agree. I now mix my own D-76/ID-11, but only as much as is needed when required. This eliminates excess unused stock solution turning bad. I usually use it within a week of mixing and I prefer it diluted 1+1 (one-shot) for consistency.
It`s easy to mix as little as 500ml of stock at a time.

 

[Sirius Glass]

This thread reveals that there are too many developers in the world. No wonder, nobody can make any money with them. The business is split 1,000 ways.

Yes, but my developer is better than your developer!

Steve

 

[wogster]

This thread reveals that there are too many developers in the world. No wonder, nobody can make any money with them. The business is split 1,000 ways.

Yes, but out of 1,000 developers 975 can only be obtained by hand making them, the developer business is made on the remaining 25.

 

[Anon Ymous]

Yes, but out of 1,000 developers 975 can only be obtained by hand making them, the developer business is made on the remaining 25.

And 20 of them are just D76

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Either D-76 or T-max.

Jeff