After 6 months of using my first batch ever of Pyrocat-HD, I've noticed that my negatives (HP5+) are getting thinner and have less stain. On the other hand, negatives that received stand development (in BTZS tubes filled with developer) were coming out extremely contrasty with zero shadow detail. The stain was great, though. Also, there were many tiny black dots all over the negatives that were only noticeable under a magnifying glass. They don't show up in contact prints (8x10 negs) but enlarged 4x5 negatives they do. I've learnt that when solution A has darkened slightly and that when it is mixed in with water along with solution B and quickly turns dark tan colour, then it is no good. I didn't realize this difference until I mixed up a new batch of solution A. There was almost no colour change when added to water along with B. My stand negatives look great once again! Moral? Keep a close eye on the colour of stock A. If it has darkened slightly and darkens even further once in solution, discard. Stock A should be very slightly tan coloured, almost clear. Good 'ol Stock B is still going strong! (Both stock solutions were kept in tightly sealed, rubberized bellows bottles in a dark, cool cupboard.)
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