The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

Procedure for Reversal Processing
Reversal Processing and Enlarged Negatives 141
In the Formula section of the Cookbook, only one bleach bath and one clearing bath formula
is given, Bleach Bath DW-1 and Clearing Bath DW-2. Use both of these with any of the three
developers given under Reversal Processing.
Most authors recommend the fi rst developer be very active and include a silver solvent,
such as potassium thiocyanate or sodium thiosulfate, in order to clear the highlights in
preparation for redevelopment. D-19 � 30 ml of sodium thiocyanate � D-67 which fi ts the
description as does D-76 � Thiosulfate. However, going against tradition David Wood recommends
not using anything with thiocyanate or thiosulfate in the fi rst developer. Instead, he
recommends the use of Kodak D-11. All three fi rst developer formulas are given in Formulas:
Reversal Processing.
The following procedure varies slightly from that published elsewhere. It is based on suggestions
from David. Keep all processing temperatures at 68F/20C.
Testing is advised. Expose a roll of fi lm over a four-stop range by alternating exposure of
the same scene (for example, with Tri-X frame 1 � EI 200, frame 2 � EI 400, frame 3 �
EI 800, frame 4 � EI 1600, then repeat with frame 5 � 200, etc.). In the dark, cut the
roll into four equal pieces and load onto separate reels. Develop one strip at a time until
you fi nd the right combination of developing time, bleach, re-exposure, and second
development time. Only change one variable, beginning with fi rst development time,
until you get it right before changing another variable. Once you have determined your
times and procedure you should not have to test again.
In the immortal words of Ansel Adams: Test, test, test.
1. First Development.
2. Wash for 2 minutes with running water or agitation. This wash is important. All of the developer
must be removed or the positive may have an uneven appearance.
3. Drain � 15 seconds.
4. Bleach � 5 minutes.
5. Wash � 1 minute.
6. Clear � 2 minutes with 30 seconds of agitation each minute. Do not exceed 2 minutes in the
clearing bath or some silver halide may be dissolved resulting in a loss of density.
7. Rinse for 2 minutes.
8. Re-expose to light.
Re-exposure Remove each strip of fi lm from the reel, one at a time, and hold it up to a 150-watt
bulb so the entire strip is exposed at a distance of about 1 foot for approximately 1 minute
per side. Rewind the fi lm onto the reel, replace it in the wash, and repeat with the next roll
and so on.