Print Developers

[KevinR]

Was wondering what is your preference for print developers? I know dektol is the basic standard, but do people prefer say the ilford or some other kind. And I guess while where at it, what paper is prefered? I have used your standard Kodak RC, and am now using Ilford Multi FB paper.

 

[oriecat]

I've only tried two kinds of developer so far in my home darkroom. First was an Arista brand from Freestyle, and it seemed to work fine. And then I ordered some Nacco Printol 12, and it works good too.

For papers, I am currently loving Bergger VCCB FB in semi-matte. I bought a sampler pack of Luminos products, so it's been fun trying those out. I really liked the Rough Art RC, and I wish it wasn't so expensive. Ilford papers are usually pretty good, but I haven't tried the Multi grade FB, I don't think. I was given a big box of Kodak RC in glossy and I didn't care for it, but of course I used it all up, since it was free. But I'm glad it's gone and I can try new stuff. I just got a pack of Agfa RC to try out. I also have a pack of Agfa 111 FB and I liked it so far, but only printed once or twice on it.

 

[aggiezach]

I've only used to two print developers too. Dektol (a long time ago) and now I'm using Ilford Multigrade and it works pretty well (not that I would know the difference).

My paper experience isn't that wide either. I've printed on Arista RC glossy paper and I liked well enough. I just did a batch on Agfa 118 FB Multigrade paper and I loved it! I'm definitely gonna order another pack of it. I will be getting several different types of paper in the mail this week. I think I ordered some Ilford Multigrade RC (glossy) paper, and some Oriental FB paper. I'll let ya know what I think of those when I have a chance to print with them!

Zach

 

[ksmattfish]

I used to use Sprint paper developer, but I've been trying out Arista Premium paper developer. I prefer phenidone-based developers that come as a concentrated liquid (they are hypo allergenic, and your fingernails won't turn black!).

I've been trying a lot of different multigrade FB papers: Kodak, Ilford, Arista Classic, Arista Premium, Arista.EDU, Bergger, Agfa... In most cases they seem very similar to me, at least when comparing neutral tone, glossy FB from brand to brand.

 

[KevinR]

We are using the Sprint chemistry at the school I teach at. I seems like I have to use a really high contrast filter for my work. Negs look good, so I'm wondering if it is the developer.

The Ilford FB is pretty nice. Curls really bad when drying though. I am wanting to try some of the Oriental paper.

 

[Hertz van Rental]

Developer - like paper - is something of a personal choice. A dev often gives quite different results with different papers. Experimentation is useful.
I mainly used Dektol with Ilford fibre based paper. That one works for me.

 

[luis.martins]

I'm also using dektol Dektol with Ilford FB papers, both glossy and mat finishes. I used Ilford Universal and Agfa Neutol NE and although I've never had any problems, I prefer the results I get with Dektol.

Development time is shorter by as much as one minute and I get richer blacks which is very important for me in my b&w jazz photos which usualy have large dark areas.

Also Dektol gives me a cooler tone, which also helps in getting the results I'm looking for. The choice of developer is very personal, not a question of being good or bad, but if it gives you the results you want.