TWO SOLUTION DEVELOPERS WITH HOUSEHOLD MEASURING DEVICES.

by Ted Peterson
Beginners Chemicals
Two solution developers are more economical than straight developers, as the alkali is kept seperate from the developing agents, thus prolonging their life.
With the addition of citric acid to the "A" solution the life of these chemicals can be prolonged further even in partially filled bottles.
Another feature is, that the developer can be varied to make different strengths such as weaker or stronger solutions for different effects.
You will notice later on that the film developer is already broken down to two solutions.
For print developers mix the developing agents in one container. These are Metol, Hydroquinone, Sulfite, Phenidone, also the restrainer Potassium Bromide. Add the Citric Acid also for neutralizer and preservative.
Next make a solution of Sodium Carbonate. 10% Solution is best. This is one ounce of Sodium Carbonate to make up 10 ounces in water. Here again the household measures come in handy. Five tablespoons (level) of Nonohydrate Sodium Carbonate is the right amount to make up to one quart of solution. To keep the Sodium Carbonate in solution a sequestering agent is needed, the most simple one being "CALGON" a household water softener sold in all grocery stores. A level tablespoon mixed into the water previous to the Sodium Carbonate is enough. Calgon has the property of holding calcium and magnesium salts is solution and as these are usually found in tap water. They will not precipitate when the carbonate is mixed.
After the solutions are made up the working solutions for an 8 X 10 tray would be 4 ozs. of solution "A" and 4 ozs. of solution "B" plus 8 ozs. water. This makes a DEKTOL or D72 type of developer.
For softer results on a contrasty negative, half the "B" solution and use 16 ozs. of water. This will give a SELECTOL or D52 type of developer.
Now the solutions:
Amounts to stock
Metol..........................................................1/4 lb.
Hydroquinone...................................... 1/2 or 1 lb.
Sodium Sulfite..........................................1 lb. (*see note)
Sodium Carbonate (Monohydrate)........1 lb.
Potassium Bromide................................1/4 lb.
Phenidone (can be used in place of Metol using 1/10 the amount)..1 oz.
Citric acid...................................................1/4 lb.
Note: On the sulfite it can be either dessicated or anhydrous.
With these amounts, any kind of developer can be made either for films or papers.
Approximate measures for these chemicals using household measuring devices are:
5 grams Metol is 1 level teaspoon.
25 grams Sodium Sulfite is 1 level teaspoon.
25 grams Sodium Carbonate is 1 1/2 level teaspoon.
12 grams Hydroquinone is 2 1/2 teaspoons.
1 gram Phenidone is 1/4 teaspoon.
1 gram Glycin is 1 teaspoon.
2 grams Potassium Bromide is 1/4 teaspoon.
1 gram Citric acid is 1/4 teaspoon.
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EXAMPLE: D72 Type - similar to Dektol
3 grams Metol (1/2 teaspoon)
50 grams Sulfite (2 teaspoons)
12 grams Hydroquinone (2 1/2 teaspoons)
50 grams Sodium Carbonate (3 tablespoons)
2 grams Potassium Bromide (1/4 teaspoon)
Water to make 1 quart total.
Variation using Phenidone. Use the same as above except use 1/2 gram Phenidone (1/4 teaspoon) in place of the 3 grams of Metol.
All measures are level - NOT heaping.
Method for using household measuring devices to make up developing formula for films giving fine grain.
Solution A
5 grams Metol (1 level teaspoon)
25 grams Sodium Sulfite (1 level teaspoon)
1 gram Citric Acid (1/4 level teaspoon)
Water to make 1 pint total.
Solution B
10% Sodium Carbonate equals 50 grams (3 level tablespoons) in 1 pint of water.
1/2 oz (15cc) of solution "A" add 1 teaspoon of solution "B" and add water to make up to 10 oz of solution.
Develop for 5 to 8 minutes depending on gradation at 68 degree and type of fillm used.
Citric Acid is a preservative and helps to neutralize the "A" solution. Its effect is that it slows up development only. But also helps to preserve the "A" solution even in partially filled bottles for up to 6 months.
Hypo Eliminator
1 level teaspoon of Sodium Sulfite in one pint of water.
Use once and then discard.
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