Some tips about Promicrol Film Developer
Some tips about Promicrol Film Developer
Hi All
This is my first post here and I thought I'll share my experiences with the new liquid version of Promicrol. First off, it's not the exact replica of of the original May & Baker version as one of it's key ingrediants is unavailable. However I've had much success with it and here are my findings.
I used it with FP4+ (Set at ISO 125), APX100/Rollei Retro 100 (Set at ISO 100) and Pan_F (Set at ISO 50). All at 20/21 degrees Centigrade. Dilution at 1+14. 30secs inital constant inversions and then 1 inversion every 30secs until complete.
Alternatively, 30 secs inital constant inversion to start with and then 2 or 3 inversions every full minute depends on shooting conditions.
The times for 1+9 dilution are too short for me and this developer is pretty strong working at this setting.
As I often downrate my films by 2/3 to 1 full stop (over expose) in harsh light (not often in England) this helps lift the shadow detail. I agitate as above process but dilute 1+19 to compensate for the reduced film speed and it seems to work better for me than fully trying to find the ideal time/speed rating.
As general rule this version of promicrol gives about 1/2 stop increase on published times not the full-stop speed enhancing charactics of the original 1970's version.
Times from the digital truth website.
Actually, I believe it's a good clean working fine grain developer and should be given more credit that is often spoken about. As champion make chemistry for the other major brands, they don't give out much info or activly promote there own brand themselves. I get mine from Firstcall Photographic in the UK but Silverprint also sell it.
To be candid I tried rodinal many times but was never satified, too grainy and inconsistant in the shadows in 35mm. Love Promicrol - Give it a go!
Hope this helps
Larry
