Ortho Litho Film

[jf Schles]

I'm using Arista II ORtho LItho film with Dektol 1:1 and I can not get opague blacks. Does anyone have suggestions, or troubleshooting ideas? Perhaps another more contrasty film?

[Robert Ley]

What are you trying to do? If you want more contrast then I would use either D19, D11 or Kodalith A&B. In the past I have had no problem getting a full black with various B&W paper developers. Your Dektol might be beat or you could try dektol straight, but 1:1 should work just fine.

Once again it all depends on the effect that you are after-give us more information as to your intent.

Regards,
Robert

[jf Schles]

I'm basically trying to get a very contrasty negative to backlight. I want very opague blacks, yet good whites. I don't necessarily need much midtone. I tried Dektol straight, still no luck.

[Drew Wiley]

Never had good luck with Dektol and this film - very muddy. The Arista brand A/B lith developer works quite well with it.

[jf Schles]

ah ha! I have ordered some of that, that is the answer I am hoping for, because i've tried every thing else and have gotten very discouraged.

Would you recommend another type of film, in case this doesn't work?

[jf Schles]

ps. I said was trying to get a contrasty negative, but I meant contrasty positive.

[Gene McCluney]

To get a contrasty negative (black & White) no grey, you have to use a Litho-type developer with Ortho Litho film. You can make your own, or purchase it. Dektol will give you a grey-scale.

[Jim Noel]

Never had good luck with Dektol and this film - very muddy. The Arista brand A/B lith developer works quite well with it.

the lith developer is designed to do exactly what you want.

[Ron Marshall]

ps. I said was trying to get a contrasty negative, but I meant contrasty positive.

Are you trying for a positive image?

If so, have a look at DR5:

http://www.dr5.com/blackandwhiteslide/fp4.html

[Nathan Potter]

Cannot obtain opaque blacks using Dektol with lith type films. You need a lith developer (generally two part developer). Arista 2 part as mentioned by Drew will give you what you want. Ilford ID-13 will do also, if still made. I used it when Kodalith developer went kaput. ID-13 mix is as below:

SOLUTION A
Hydroquinone 25 g.
Potassium metabisulfate 25 g.
Potassium bromide 25 g.
Water @ 60 C. 0.75 liter
Finally water at room temp to make 1.0 liter

SOLUTION B
Sodium Hydroxide 50 g. (careful! no skin contact)
Room temp. water to make 1 liter

Above from Anchell

As with Kodalith developer mix A with B just prior to use. I develop for 3 minutes @ 75C. with Kodalith Ortho. But do a couple of tests for max density.

Nate Potter, Austin TX.