Ilford ID-11

[Tummler]

Hello,
Does someone know why it's not possible to use fractions of ID-11 developer ?
(Technical datasheet says "Always make up the developer stock solution to the volume stated on the pack, do not attempt to prepare smaller solution quantities by using fractional parts of each powder,")
Thanks in advance.

 

[raydm6]

I'm guessing because the chemistry may not be evenly/equally distributed with partial usage.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I'm guessing because the chemistry may not be evenly/equally distributed with partial usage.

That's exactly the reason. ID-11 is actually composed of several distinct chemicals mixed together. It all looks like white powder, because thats what most dry chemicals look like. You could be led to assume that because it is all white powder, it is all the same chemical. Its not, and by mixing a portion, you will not get the right amounts of each of the chemicals that make up ID-11.

There are actually four chemicals in ID-11 (which is the same formula as Kodak D-76):

Metol (1-methyl 4-aminophenol sulfate)

Hydroquinone (1,4 dihydroxy benzene)

Sodium Sulfite

Borax

 

[Rob-F]

I'm guessing because the chemistry may not be evenly/equally distributed with partial usage.

That's it, exactly. Mixing all the powder at once ensures consistent results. Dividing into two separate amounts, you might wind up with, for example, too much Metol but not enough hydroquinone in the first mix, and the other way around in the second one.

 

[BernardL]

And forget about "mixing" the powder to ensure uniform composition. The powder grains for the respective chemicals have different sizes, densities, which causes them to segregate.

 

[Tummler]

Thanks to all of you, now it seems pretty obvious.

 

[John Bragg]

Thanks to all of you, now it seems pretty obvious.

Had you thought about using a liquid dev one shot? I am having great success with Ilfosol 3.

Carole Portrait by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr


Cake by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr