[Leica] Re: B&W revisited

[George Huczek <ghuczek@sk.sympatico.ca>]

At 05:45 PM 04/11/98 EST, you wrote:
 I have read so many good things about PYRO and your
>experience will be a big help.
>
I'll point out a few other things about pyro that you should be aware of.
First, there is the issue of toxicity.  It is hazardous.  You must take
precautions when using it, particularly with regards to handling, because
it can be absorbed through the skin.  Nitrile gloves are recommended for
use with it.  Pyro can do nasty things to your liver and other organs.
   Another issue which comes up frequently among pyro users is the
variability of staining that arises when using a new or aged batch.  It
seems as if stain density increases after a certain number of rolls have
been developed.  Hutchings recommends keeping some "old brown" on hand to
mix with a new batch.  Others have reported good results with the addition
of Excel to compensate for stain variability, however it can introduce
additional fogging and density increases.  (8 mL of Excel per litre of
regular strength PMK is a good starting point.)  Reduce film speed by 1/3
to 1/2 stop and underdevelop by 20% to compensate for density changes to
the formula when Excel is used.
   Having said all this, I'd still like to put in a plug for more "modern"
developers, particularly ones like XTOL which are more environmentally
friendly, safer to handle, and quite capable of yielding excellent results.



 _
[o] -GH