The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

212 THE DARKROOM COOKBOOK
FORMULA #12
Agfa Atomal Type
Water at 90F/32C, 750.0 ml
*Hydroxyethyl-o-aminophenol, 6.0 g
Pyrocatechin, 10.0 g
Hydroquinone, 4.0 g
Sodium sulfi te, 100.0 g
Sodium carbonate, 25.0 g
Potassium bromide, 1.0 g
Sodium metaphosphate, 1.0 g
Distilled water to make 1.0 liter
*N-(β-Hydroxyethyl)-o-aminophenol sulfate.
Use published development times for Agfa Atomal.
FORMULA #13
Kodak D-23 (circa 1940)
D-23 is one of the most versatile developers ever formulated. Having only two ingredients, it
is simple to mix and with various modifi cations can be used over a wide range of situations.
This is a semi-compensating developer that produces fi ne shadow values while retaining a
high emulsion speed. This developer produces negatives of speed and graininess comparable
to Kodak D-76, without D-76’s tendency to block highlights. Its low alkalinity and high salt
content, as well as its low fogging propensity, make it suitable for use up to 85F/29C. At temperatures
above 75F/24C use stop-bath Kodak SB-4 Tropical Hardener Bath between development
and fi xing.
Water at 125F/52C, 750.0 ml
Metol, 7.5 g
Sodium sulfi te, 100.0 g
Water to make 1.0 liter
Develop full-strength for 12 minutes at 68F/20C.
Diluted 1:3 development results in full midtones and lower contrast. Try 1.5 � the time used
for the full-strength developer and use three times the developer volume for each 80 2 inches
of fi lm.
D-23 can also be used as with a water bath to manage extreme contrast. Be certain to
allow enough exposure to ensure good shadow detail—usually at least one additional stop.
The method is as follows:
1 minute: D-23 with constant agitation.
4 minutes: water without agitation.
1 minute: D-23 with constant agitation.