Re: 2 bath developer?

[William Lawlor <wvl >]

On Fri, 13 Dec 1996, Matthew L. Phillips wrote:

> Greetings,
> 
> For years I've sworn by Ilford's XP2; from 35mm up to 8x10, it has been
> virtually the only black and white film I've used recently. I especially
> like the long tonal scale, with fine shadow detail and highlights that
> refuse to block up, the grainless appearance at ISO 80-125, and the idiot
> proof C-41 development that removes a raft of variables involved in
> conventional black and white films.
> 
> But now that I'm using my Rollei 35 more I would like to try the slower
> speed Agfapan 25 and Ilford Pan F Plus films. My past experience with these
> films haven't been altogether positive. The contrast range I've gotten from
> Pan F (souped in ID-11, also HC-110, dil. B) have been unprintable more
> than once. Certainly not what I'm used to with XP2.
> 
> The darkroom I use is fairly state-of-the-art, equipment wise.
> Unfortunately it is located in an 'Eisenhower modern' building with
> overtaxed and outdated water and ventilation systems. Even with chillers
> and tempering devices on our water lines, maintaining consistent 68 to 72
> degree temperatures can be an act in futility.
> 
> At Photokina a new Paterson black and white two-bath developer was
> announced. This developer is supposed to be very flexible in that it can be
> used at any temperature from 65 to 85 degrees at a single fixed development
> time; differing types of black and white films can be processed in the same
> tank. It is reported to have a very long tonal scale and fine grain.
> 
> This developer formula, or one very similar, has been around for years.
> Does anyone know off hand what it is called or have any experience with it?
> Any other suggestions? Comments? Thanks.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> M.Phillips


Matthew, I use Agfapan 25, Pan F, and Deltas 100 & 400 developed in D-76
or ID-11 diluted 1:1 as a one shot developer and get excellent results. I
print with a Beseler 23 using the condensers and a Nikon lens. These are
very middle-of the road parameters. I can't imagine why you heave trouble
and need a special developer.  Illford web page has a downloadable
temperature/time chart that works for all developers to convert times to
other temps. Typically I use Plus X at 68 deg 8.m min 1:1. I have tried 
many other combinations and this works best for me. Bill 


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