Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/04/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I always seem to defer to developers diluted a lot (like Rodinal and Ethol TEC) as I'm sure the sulfite concentration is low. I remember taking hours to get Microdol-X or D-75 to dissolve, and then using it straight. And I hated those negs. Thanks for the tip on the Courier. :-) Jeffery Smith New Orleans, LA -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jls=runbox.com@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jls=runbox.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Mark Rabiner Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 6:58 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: Re: [Leica] grainy Tmax 100 On 4/16/04 3:55 PM, "Jeffery Smith" <jls@runbox.com> wrote: > Mark, > > I'm much less educated on developers than I was 25 years ago (memory > fades). Is sulfite the "grain solvent" that is used in Microdol-X to reduce > grain (and sharpness)? I just ordered a few combination developers from > Photographer's Formulary (divided D-76, D-3, D-23) in hopes of getting D-76 > results with less variation. I hope that the sulfite doesn't smudge the > results by dissolving grains. > > Jeffery > > All these developers (not sure about D3) have plenty of sulfite in them but is what we are used to. 100mls per liter but diluted 1:1 to make it 50. Just make sure you don?t use them straight. Microdol is thought to have a bit more. Say 125 per liter. And another dissolving agent it's not salt but something else I forgot what the deal is on that. But you'd want to dilute it 1:3 one of it's famous recommendations to get nice results with 35mm without mush grain. Sharp smooth grain and an interesting easy to print negs with a distinctive brownish tone. This involves long developing times. Perhaps shortened with these higher temperatures people (not me) are using now. Ansel was said to have said that just about any developer is ok just as long as you dilute it right. WC fields is said to have said never give a sucker an even break. But the above opinions are my own and all I've got to say is "I'm not the only one!". Oh and try the new Courier New with the filter turned on! Looks great on my monitor makes you feel like a writer! Mark Rabiner Photography Portland Oregon New-improved http://rabinergroup.com/ _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information