Novice(?) question

[Phil_Lowe]

I am based near Leeds in the UK and awaiting delivery of a Zorki 4k. I also have a scanner that is capable of scanning negatives. So far so good.

Years ago I used to do B&W 35mm film developing as part of my job at med school so now I am on the lookout for the necessary kit to match what I used to do. It seems the Paterson drum kits are easy to find on that auction website but I'm currently stumped on the chemicals. I used to use Acutol if I remember correctly.

I have emailed the secondhanddarkroom website for advice in the hope that I might get some impartial advice.

I was wondering though if the UK based members here have a preferred recipe based on what is available in the UK.

The film I intend to process is Ilford Delta 400 35mm. Any help would be greatly appreciated; in the meantime I will continue to browse this area of the forum.


Thanks.

 

[Phil_Lowe]

Try this link Phil ... http://www.squarefrog.co.uk/holga-techniques-developingfilm.html

There are also links to helpful groups.

 

[nathanp]

Is that a reply to yourself above? 🙂


I'm pretty new to it all too but I can say that I've bought chemicals from http://www.silverprint.co.uk and http://www.mailshotsuk.co.uk with no problems. I'll let the more knowledgeable people suggest products suited to Delta films.

 

[fidget]

Phil, I'm only a few miles from you, so probably have access to the same chems that you do.
Other members here will have their favourite set up, I'm sure you will have many different recommendations.
Much depends on your usage and storage expectations.
I found ID11 easy to use and quite forgiving. I can store it as a stock solution which has took me 9 months to use. It seemed fine to me. Now considering a change to XTOL as it's cheap at the moment.
For dev tanks, i like the Paterson tanks which have the top like a Tupperware lid. All those I have used with screw tops have leaked. Not a problem for the film, but very annoying.

The Ilford web site has great info on setting up and what is needed.
Dave..

 

[hans voralberg]

Phil you can try Ilford DDX, it's very easy to mix and use. And quite a versatile developer to start with. Can be obtain from all UK supplier like Silverprint, AG Photographic, Firstcall, etc.

 

[payasam]

Phil, I was UK-based as recently as 1973-77: so certainly my words will have value. Because I had earlier experience of Promicrol, I used Ilford's Microphen, with FP4 and sometimes HP4. But as you are making a start, I'll agree with Fidget about ID11.

 

[Phil_Lowe]

Thanks for all your responses. I will take your advice. This weekend I will buy some film and all the chemicals. Hopefully I will have some results with my newly acquired Zorki 4K. Can't wait. The camera seems very well looked after and seems to function perfectly.

Sorry if my reply to myself came across as a bit sarcastic. It wasn't the intention.

Watch this space for results. 🙂