FORMULAS

Over the years we have used numerous developer and other chemical formulas in the darkroom.  After years of experimentation, with a lot of trial and error, we have now come to a point where we mix near everything from raw chemicals.  There are certain advantages to mixing your own.  You know the contents of everything you use and if there is a mistake, you know who to blame!

Mixing your own darkroom chemicals is not hard.   You do not need to be a chemist.  If you can follow a recipe and bake a cake, you can mix your own chemistry.  Do some research and experiment, you may just be surprised with your results and with a little knowledge you can alter a mixture to suit your vision.

Here on this page I will post the formulas that we use in the darkroom.  Keep in mind, these are the formulas we use and they suit our vision and the way we work.  If you are interested in mixing your own chemistry, here is a starting point. If these formulas work for you, then great!  If not, maybe you will learn something.

Also, remember that these formulas contain chemicals that could be hazardous.  Practice safe handling procedures when working with and mixing chemicals.

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FILM DEVELOPER

NOTE:  Use Distilled Water in all stock solutions.

We use PyroCat HD at a mixture of 2:2:100.  That is 2 parts ‘A’ plus 2 parts ‘B’ plus 100 parts distilled water. Each type of film should be tested for proper EI and developing time.

PyroCat HD is formulated by Sandy King.  For more information look HERE.

Also see this jbhphoto BLOG entry, “THE PYRO-CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG.”

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PAPER DEVELOPER

This is our variation of the Pyro Plus Paper Developer (PPPD).  This developer was originally formulated and published by Donald Miller.  Our vesion is a cold tone developer and works well with Azo.  For more information about PPPD and its various mixtures, search the Internet.

Also see this jbhphoto BLOG entry, “WHAT PAPER DEVELOPER ARE YOU USING THESE DAYS?“

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STOP

To make a 28% stock solution of Acetic Acid, mix 3 parts pure acid to 8 parts distilled water.

TO MIX A TOTAL VOLUME OF 28% ACETIC ACID TO FILL A 16 oz BOTTLE

  • PURE ACID——————————-4.5 oz

  • DISTILLED WATER—————–12.0 oz

  • TOTAL 28% VOLUME—————16.5 oz

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NOTE:  Always add acid to water.  Never add water to acid.

For stop used with PyroCat HD we mix 3ml of 28% acid to 1,000ml of water.

For stop used with printing paper we mix 40ml of 28% acid to 1,000ml of water.

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HYPO CLEARING AGENT

This is the HCA formula we have used for years.  We do not use HCA with film, so this is used for fiber paper.  Mix stock solution 1:9, that is one part stock to nine parts water.  Shuffle paper in a tray of working solution for 3-4 minutes, then wash for one hour.

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MEASURE

 

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NOTES

  • USE DISTILLED WATER FOR ALL STOCK SOLUTIONS
  • WE USE DISTILLED WATER FOR ALL DILUTIONS OF CHEMICALS WHEN PROCESSING FILM.  YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE HERE.
  • PAPER STOP, FIX, AND HCA ARE MIXED WITH TAP WATER
  • FILM AND PAPER ARE WASHED IN TAP WATER FOLLOWED BY A BRIEF RINSE IN DISTILLED WATER BEFORE DRYING
  • FILM IS AIR DRIED USING WOODEN CLOTHESPINS ON AN OVERHEAD LINE
  • PAPER IS AIR DRIED ON PLASTIC WINDOW SCREENS
  • REMEMBER, THESE ARE THE MATERIALS WE USE. . . YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY???

 

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