Kodalith Ortho 4x5

[Ash]

I'm sure it's been asked a lot of times before, so maybe links to the other threads than I can't find would be welcomed :)

I've just won a box of 100 sheets of kodalith ortho film off the bay. I'm looking to get continuous tone from it, as I understand the stuff is otherwise solid black and white.

I've heard of rating it very slow and developing very dilute.

Think I'll be able to work it out before 20 sheets are wasted??

Any help is greatly appreciated


Thanks

Ash

[Jay DeFehr]

I've had good luck with that class of film developing in 510-Pyro 1:500 20min/70F/ semi-stand. My EIs range from 3 for APHS Ortho to 50 with Technical Pan. Good luck.

Jay

[Ralph Barker]

I've only used Kodalith for what it was intended - line copy (graphic arts applications). Well, that's not quite true. I did try to use it for a transparency of another, smaller negative once. But, it was rather contrasty - a grade 6 look (virtually no tonal spread) on grade1 paper. ;)

I don't think I'd put it in the same class as APHS Ortho or Tech Pan, although there may be some overlap of functionality.

[Ash]

I'm not looking for a huge tonal range, but as much as possible. Are there any UK sites that sell 510-pyro? I'm guessing it won't be easy to import from another country being a potentially dangerous chemical.

Any further input about developing would be much appreciated. Also would this do the job? http://www.silverprint.co.uk/chem34.html


Thanks :)

[Glenn Thoreson]

You may want to try D-76 at 1:9. It will definitely take some experimentation, but it can be done.

[robc]

Are there any UK sites that sell 510-pyro?

None that I know of but Silverprint sell raw chemicals.

Alternatively, if you know the formula, Speedibrews may provide you with a kit by special order or you can get chemicals from them.

http://www.speedibrews.free-online.co.uk/photochems.htm

Their mailorder outlet is in Woking.

[Ash]

Thanks for the idea of D-76. This would be the first time using powder developers, so its a little worrying after I read the following data http://www.silverprint.co.uk/info/D76.html !

I had to laugh when I read this at Speedibrews - "Raw Chemicals if it's legal, we'll quote"


No doubt if I use any of these suggestions I'll be asking a lot of further questions! I hope I dont become too much of a hassle ;)

Thanks again.

[robc]

Thanks for the idea of D-76. This would be the first time using powder developers, so its a little worrying after I read the following data http://www.silverprint.co.uk/info/D76.html !

I had to laugh when I read this at Speedibrews - "Raw Chemicals if it's legal, we'll quote"


No doubt if I use any of these suggestions I'll be asking a lot of further questions! I hope I dont become too much of a hassle ;)

Thanks again.

I would suggest phoning speedibrews. You may find that they recommend their Celer Mono dev, which is a low contrast developer, and give you times for your film type.

[Ash]

Thanks rob, I might just do that next week :)

[Jay DeFehr]

Ash,

510-Pyro is not, strictly speaking, available commercially, but the formula is published here:

http://www.digitaltruth.com/techdata/article-stainingdev.php

You can get a kit of pre-measured chemicals from Artcraft Chemicals in NY, and TEA from The Chemistry Store.com, but it would probably be cheaper and easier to source the ingredients locally and make it up at home, or use one of the other developers suggested. Good luck.

Jay

[Glenn Thoreson]

You should be able to buy 1 liter packs of Kodak D-76 at any larger photo dealer. If you are in the UK, it may be easier to get Ilford ID-11, which is basically the same thing. If you can find Kodak Selectol Soft print developer, it may work for you at higher than recommendd dilutions.