The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

80 THE DARKROOM COOKBOOK
Image Color Through Direct Development
Neutral Tones Neutral-tone developers produce images with the least amount of bias toward
either warm or cold tones. This does not mean that some bias may not exist, depending
on the paper, only that it will be less pronounced than if a warm- or cold-tone developer
is used.
Some papers will have a slight greenish cast when developed in a neutral-tone developer.
Should this occur, either use less bromide or substitute Edwal’s Liquid Orthazite or benzotriazole
for the bromide. This can be done by eliminating the bromide altogether or lessening the
amount and adding a small amount of benzotriazole (see Cold Tones, below). Selenium toning,
after fi xing, will also help to eliminate any green cast.
Warm Tones There are many ways in which to achieve warm tones, although the results will differ
according to the type of paper used as previously noted. As a general rule, print developers
using only hydroquinone produce a warm tone, and those using only glycin produce a brown
tone. The difference being that brown tone refers to the specifi c color, brown, whereas warm
tone encompasses all shades and nuances of brown, including that with a red or yellow bias.
For the rest of this chapter I will use warm tone to refer to all shades of brown. Some methods
to create warm/brown tones are as follows:
● Use less carbonate. The less carbonate used the warmer the tone. The use of too little carbonate,
however, will result in a fl at, muddy print.
● Substitute potassium carbonate for sodium carbonate. Besides creating warmer tones it can be
used in stronger concentrations for increased contrast.
● Increase the amount of bromide. If the tones are not warm enough, add between 30.0 and 125.0 ml
of a 10% bromide solution. After that, increase by 30.0 ml until the image tone is satisfactory or fogging
occurs (see Bromide and Carbonate, below). This works with most, but not all, developers.
● Increase print exposure and shorten development times. Often this method will create warmer
tones.
● Choose a warm-tone developer. This will enhance any warm tones inherent in the paper.
● Dilute a fresh developer with up to 50% used developer. If you like warm tones in your images,
keep a bottle of used developer on the shelf for this purpose. Glycin-based developers work well.
● Tone the print after processing is complete.
Redevelopment Method The halide type and composition of any given paper has some effect on the
image tone. However, as manufacturers don’t typically release this information, except in a general
context (bromide, chlorobromide, chloride), it is impossible to know beforehand what the
composition is. The technique of redevelopment eliminates the need to know, as it reduces all
halide in the emulsion to silver bromide, which can then be redeveloped and toned.
To use this method, expose, develop in a neutral tone developer, fi x, and wash a print
in the usual manner. Next, use Print Rehalogenating Bleach (Formulas: Print Reducers: Print
Rehalogenating Bleach) to convert all silver metal to silver bromide. Then rinse for 5 minutes
and redevelop using any toning developer of your choice (this includes cold-tone
developers).