Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2011/07/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I use primarily medium and large formats and have been using Pyrocat as my primary developer for several years, but have never tried it as a 2-bath. I print on silver and have never felt the need. I agree that Pyrocat is sharper and a little grainier than XTOL?it also has a different look that appeals to me with more highlight information. When using it as a single solution I have found that the initial agitation is very important. It should be vigorous and last at least 1 minute, maybe even 2 to prevent mottling and streaking. I use reduced agitation?4 cycles during the total development time, including the initial 1-2 minutes, which increases edge effects slightly (depending on the film), is more compensating, and gives a boost in film speed. Richard Wasserman www.richardwasserman.net On Jul 25, 2011, at 7:05 AM, Marty Deveney wrote: > Be careful with your agitation - a reasonable amount but gentle. I > got streaks when I used too much or too little. Otherwise, it works > really well. The pyrocat developers are sharper than dilute Xtol, but > the grain is slightly coarser. > > Marty > > On Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 8:35 PM, Richard Man > <richard at imagecraft.com> wrote: >> For the film users - I just ran out of my 5 gallon Xtol, so it's a >> good time >> to try something different. Since my workflow is all digital once >> the film >> is developed, I like what I am reading re: Sandy King's pyrocat-HD >> and used >> in 2-bath process: >> >> http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=67154 >> >> Please, I know Pyro can be toxic and I am a dinosaur still using >> film, and I >> shouldn't much around with different developers and settle on one >> etc. >> >> Nevertheless, if you have personal experience with this process, >> I'd happy >> to read about it. >> >> Thanks. >> >> -- >> // richard <http://www.imagecraft.com/> >> // icc blog: <http://imagecraft.com/blog/> >> // richard's personal photo blog: <http://www.5pmlight.com> >> [ For technical support on ImageCraft products, please include all >> previous >> replies in your msgs. ] >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information