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Response to Which liquid (i.e., not a powder in concentrated form developer do you recommend?

from Jim MacKenzie (photojim@yahoo.com)
PMK.

Bear in mind that most liquid concentrate developers deteriorate just as stock solution powdered developers do. For long-term storage, powdered developers are best because the powders last for years.

For a long time, I used Ilford's 600 mL packages of ID-11 developer and diluted it 1:1 (this is almost identical to D-76 so diluted). My tank needs 300 mL per roll, so with dilution this was enough for four rolls. You can use that up quickly. I don't know if Ilford still sells packages so small or not.

PMK's big advantage is that it lasts pretty much indefinitely in storage, but it is not a typical developer and requires some special care in use. It also stains the emulsion, which to some is a bad thing but to me is good (better tonality, finer apparent grain, very high perceived sharpness).

As stated, Agfa's Rodinal is very durable in storage but it is also very grainy. As a plus, it is extremely sharp.

(posted 8630 days ago)

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