The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

FORMULA #169
Flattening Reducer
For heavy negatives.
This reducer is useful for lessening the density and contrast of dense negatives.
Potassium ferricyanide, 35.0 g
Potassium bromide, 10.0 g
Water to make 1.0 liter
Formulas 301
Bleach the negative in this solution and after thorough washing redevelop to desired density
in negative developer Ansco 47. Then fi x and wash in the usual manner. Conduct the operation
in subdued light.
Developers containing a high sulfi te and low alkali concentration, such as Kodak D-76
and ID-11, should not be used for redevelopment because the sulfi te tends to dissolve the silver
image before the developing agents have had time to act upon it.
FORMULA #170
Kodak R-4a
Farmer’s Cutting Reducer
For overexposed negatives.
STOCK SOLUTION A
Potassium ferricyanide, 37.5 g
Water to make 500.0 ml
STOCK SOLUTION B
Sodium thiosulfate, 480.0 g
Water to make 2.0 liters
Immediately before use take 30.0 ml of A, add 120.0 ml of B, and add water to make 1.0 liter.
Pour the mixed solution over the negative in a white tray. Watch the reducing action carefully.
When the negative has been reduced suffi ciently wash for at least 5 minutes and dry. Any
residue left on the fi lm can be removed during the fi nal wash with a cotton ball.
For less rapid reducing action and more control, use one-half the amount of Stock
Solution A.
The stock solutions keep indefi nitely; the combined A/B solution will exhaust in a matter
of minutes. The process can be repeated but a fresh solution should be used each time.
Print Reduction with R4-a
For print reduction with R-4a mix 1 part A, 1 part B, and 10 to 15 parts water, depending
on the desired rate of reduction.