High contrast paper developer
Due to a screw-up on my part, I need a high contrast paper developer. The neg has lots of density but is very flat. I'm comfortable mixing my own, so I need to be pointed in the right direction.
Variable contrast paper (Ilfobrom), contact printed. (yes, I have all the VC filters, I'd like more contrast.)
Thanks
very much
John
Re: High contrast paper developer
Ilford ID-14 gives almost a Grade more contrast with many papers.
ID-14 High Contrast Press Developer
Metol 1.5 g
Sodium Sulphite (anh) 50 g
Hydroquinone 12 g
Sodium Carbonate (anh) 37.5 g
Potassium Bromide 2 g
Water to 1 litre
For maximum contrast use 1+1, lower contrast 1+3
I used to use this back before VC papers were re-introduced in the 70's, it worked well with Ilfobrom & Ilfospeed graded papers,
Ian.
Re: High contrast paper developer
Ian,
In this thread you say the Sodium Sulfite should be 50 g and dilution of 1+1 for max contrast. But in two other threads where you write about ID 14, you refer to the sulfite as 75 g and the working strength as full strength:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum216/...ral-tones.html
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum222/...developer.html
You're the best source I've found on so many various formulae so I'm just looking for the final word.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
IanG
Ilford ID-14 gives almost a Grade more contrast with many papers.
ID-14 High Contrast Press Developer
Metol 1.5 g
Sodium Sulphite (anh) 50 g
Hydroquinone 12 g
Sodium Carbonate (anh) 37.5 g
Potassium Bromide 2 g
Water to 1 litre
For maximum contrast use 1+1, lower contrast 1+3
I used to use this back before VC papers were re-introduced in the 70's, it worked well with Ilfobrom & Ilfospeed graded papers,
Ian.
Re: High contrast paper developer
Hint:
Hydroquinone increases contrast.
Potassium Bromide is a restrainer. Slows down the action of the developer, especially on areas that received minimum light. Some effect on contrast.
Sodium Sulfite is a preservative. Does not effect contrast.
So, choose a developer that has a lot of hydroquinone in it's formula.
The "Darkroom Cookbook" lists a few high contrast developers.
Re: High contrast paper developer
Gem, ID-14 gives higher contrast than Agfa 108 which is listed in the DCB, the other dev listed Edwal 120 won't give neutral tones due to the Pyrocatechin.
The level of Sulphite does have an effect on the contrast.
Ian
Re: High contrast paper developer
Ian,
Check the formula for Ilford ID-11.
12 gms of Hydroquinone and 50-75 gms of sulfite.
To me, that represents a developer that is high in hydroquinone and low in sulfite.
Exactly the point I was attempting to make.
Re: High contrast paper developer
Excuse the senior moment.
I was referring to Ilford ID-14, not ID-11.
Haven't had my first cup of coffee this morning.
Re: High contrast paper developer
Ilford ID-20:
Metol 3g
Sodium sulphite (anhydrous) 50g
Hydroquinone 12g
Sodium carbonate (monohydrated) 62g
Potassium bromide 2g
Water to make 1 liter
Gives neutral tones. Dilutions: 1+4 for low contrast, 1+3 for normal contrast, 1+2 for high contrast, 1+1 for very high contrast.
I believe you could increase the contrast even further by using it undiluted, though I haven't tried this myself.
This is my current print developer. I dilute it 1+3.