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Thread: High contrast paper developer

  1. #1
    8x20 8x10 John Jarosz's Avatar
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    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

  2. #2
    IanG's Avatar
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    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.

  3. #3

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    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 View Post
    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.

  4. #4
    IanG's Avatar
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    Correction !!!!

    My mistake your quite correct. It should be:

    ID-14 High Contrast Press Developer

    Metol 1.5 g
    Sodium Sulphite (anh) 75 g
    Hydroquinone 12 g
    Sodium Carbonate (anh) 37.5 g
    Potassium Bromide 2 g
    Water to 1 litre

    For maximum contrast use Full Strength, lower contrast - 1+1, 1+3

    The Formula was published by Ilford in 1930/40's Ilford Manuals if Photography.

    Ian

  5. #5
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    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.

  6. #6
    IanG's Avatar
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    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

  7. #7
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    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.

  8. #8
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    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.

  9. #9
    Vlad Soare's Avatar
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    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.

  10. #10
    IanG's Avatar
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    Correct ID-20 Formula.

    ID-20 isn't a High Contrast developer. I use it's PQ variants ID-62 & the warm-tone ID-78. Coincidently that's not the correct Formula.

    ID-14 gives almost a full Grade more Contrast with Bromide, & Chlorobromide papers.


    Ilford ID-20:

    Metol 3g
    Sodium sulphite (anhydrous) 50g
    Hydroquinone 12g
    Sodium carbonate (anhydrous) 60g
    Potassium bromide 4g
    Water to make 1 litre


    Ian

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