Moving from Dektol to Ilford Multigrade Developer

[John Olsen]

Our darkroom club has run out of Dektol and bought some Ilford Multigrade developer instead. Instructions say to mix just before using in either 1:9 or 1:14 ratio. Which has worked for you, if any? Our club members will be processing both RC and FB papers. Thanks for your advice.

[Mark Sampson]

I've used it at 1:9, for Ilford and Foma VC papers. Two minutes for fiber-base, 90" for RC.
Those times are just my preference; I think Ilford recommends shorter times. It works very well, no differences from Dektol as far as I can see.
You should have a painless changeover. I'm sure that others will share their experiences.

[bob carnie]

I use 1 : 8 mixture and as Mark says you will have a painless changeover, it is a great developer.

[Ben Calwell]

Ditto what others have said. I use it without issue at 1:9.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I've been using Multigrade to make RC "guide prints" for years with great results. Bought a gallon of Dektol, slowly using that up too. About the same to my eyes. 1:9 as above.

[John Olsen]

Thanks. Just the reassurance we needed. We'll go with 1:9.