The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

Formulas 309
Add 30.0 ml of Solution B to 30.0 ml of Solution A, plus 180.0 ml of water at 1:1:6. Soak the
dry print for 10 minutes in plain water. Transfer the print to the bleach mixture, and continuously
agitate for a minimum of 2 minutes or until most of the image either has disappeared or
at least become faded brown.
Bleaching can take place in normal, artifi cial light. However, redevelopment should be
done under safelight conditions to prevent solarization.
If at the end of 2 minutes the print has not changed much, continue the bleaching action
for a few minutes. If the print still does not react, or if spots or streaks appear, strengthen the
bleach by using as much as 240.0 ml of A, 60.0 ml of B, and 180.0 ml of water. If, after strengthening
the bleach or extending the time, spots or streaks remain, they will probably disappear
with redevelopment.
Rewash the bleached print until the water is perfectly clear. This may take as long as
1 hour in running water at about 70F/21C. This is the most critical step as any residual
bichromate will stain the print during redevelopment.
The washing time can be shortened by at least half by placing the print for 10 to 20 seconds
in a 3% solution of sodium carbonate. If this method is used, handle the prints carefully.
This is because carbonate considerably softens the emulsion. Redevelop the image with any
non-staining developer (e.g., Kodak D-72) for 2 to 5 minutes. The print should be washed for
about ½ hour. Always use a fresh developer for print intensifi cation.
After redevelopment, do not re-fi x the print, as it will become reduced instead of intensifi
ed. Wash the print thoroughly and then hang to dry to avoid the emulsion sticking to the
drying surface.
NOTE 1: Prints for intensifi cation should not be hardened. If they have been hardened, use
Dehardener.
NOTE 2: The stock solutions will keep well in brown glass bottles.
Caution: Always add the hydrochloric acid to the water slowly, stirring constantly, and never
add the water to the acid.
MISCELLANEOUS
FORMULA #182
Basic Scarlet N
For development by inspection with MQ developers
Chrysoidine, 1.0 g
*Phenosafranine, 1.0 g
Distilled water, 200.0 ml
Add: Alcohol, isopropyl, 5.0 ml
* Safranine-O, a derivative of phenosafranine, may be substituted in the same amount. Safranine-O is
considerably less expensive and more active.