Rodinal Replacement

[kingjon]

Performed a quick search and didn't find what I was looking for. If this has been asked before, I apologize. Rodinal is one of my favorite developers - love the sharpness and tone. It is not an environmentally friendly developer.
Is there a more modern developer with similar characteristics that might not be quite so bad for the environment? Thanks in advance.

Jon

 

[ptpdprinter]

What is it about Rodinal that is not environmentally friendly?

If you are really concerned, the eco-friendly way to go is Caffenol, and while it works, it may not give you the results you are looking for.

 

[skopar steve]

I use Spur Acurol-N. It has very good keeping properties, and gives sharp edges without accentuating the grain as much as Rodinol.

Down side is it's not easy to get it in the states. I get it from Maco Direct in Germany.

Steve

 

[css9450]

What is it about Rodinal that is not environmentally friendly?

I'd like to know too. I dump mine down the drain. Its diluted 1:50 but I suppose if its REALLY bad stuff I could dispose of it like I do old paint, antifreeze, etc... Take it to the semi-annual waste collection place.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

I flush some really bad crap down my toilet all the time. I can't imagine a cap-full of Rodinal diluted 1:100 a couple time a month would amount to hill of beans.

 

[Bill Clark]

If your home is hooked up to a city sewer system, google “photography waste chemicals disposal”and see what is shown. Or call the agency that processes your waste water and ask them.

I’d have a number as to how much stuff you use each year before calling.

Info to help:

http://sprintsystems.com/q-how-do-i-dispose-of-used-darkroom-chemicals/

https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/Facts/Wastewater-WaterF/FACTS-Wastewater.aspx

Waste water plant where I live processes:

“wastewater flows of 175 mgd”

That’s 175 million gallons per day.

I would be more concerned about household chemicals, soaps used for dishes and clothes, chemicals used outdoors and in your garageas they are found in most residences and places of business. Also hollywood showers and other ways potable water is wasted. Down the drain. Out of sight out of mind.

You would probably be surprised, if you wanted to do the research, what people flush down.

 

[Guy Pinhas]

I am actually really curious about Rodinal and the environment. I always dispose of my Rodinal at the toxic waste dump. Same with the first rinse after dumping the Rodinal and after being done with the fixer (Ilford Rapid Fixer). Located in The Netherlands btw.

 

[drewbarb]

It was always my understanding that Rodinal was not particularly toxic. It has no hydroquinone or metol, the two most common toxic developing agents, but rather is made from 4-Aminophenol, which is used to make acetaminophen (Tylenol). Particularly in the high dilutions it is used in, I was always under the impression that it's one of the less toxic developers, and perfectly safe to dump. Is this incorrect? Anyone have more/definitive information about this?

 

[phrons]

I try to be very environmentally conscious as I love enjoying nature. I also love photographing nature.

If it is unfriendly as you say it is, I will definitely make the switch.

I still would like to see some facts/research.

 

[oftheherd]

Go to http://www.freestylephoto.biz/12054-Adox-Rodinal-Film-Developer-500-ml at Freestyle's site, then click PDF downloads and choose each one to read.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If I'm not mistaken XTOL is eco friendly, it is almost like coffeenol.

 

[phrons]

Go to http://www.freestylephoto.biz/12054-Adox-Rodinal-Film-Developer-500-ml at Freestyle's site, then click PDF downloads and choose each one to read.

there you have it

no longer using rodinal

 

[Corran]

If you are that worried about nature you probably shouldn't shoot film.

 

[f16sunshine]

What about Xtol ?

What about Xtol ?

If I'm not mistaken XTOL is eco friendly, it is almost like coffeenol.

I have a couple bags of Xtol that a friend gave me in 2010 when I lived in Colorado on a septic system.
In the end I saved my film for my returns to Seattle and never used the Xtol.

What sort of shortcomings does Xtol have ?
This thread prompts me to "get around to it".

Any Current Xtol users ?

 

[drewbarb]

Interesting. I read through the German Water Hazard class materials I could find online (which are happily very complete) and I can only conclude that they are quite conservative and careful, which is both almost comically characteristic of Germans and quite sound policy environmentally. I will take more care disposing of my spent Rodinal in the future. I don't think I'll stop using it, but certainly won't casually dump it anymore.

As for Xtol, I've used it as a push developer, and liked the results from it well enough. It doesn't provide as high acutance or as sharp edge effects as Rodinal can, but it's pretty good, and affords nice tonality. It can be unstable, and is best used up relatively soon once mixed or the results can be uneven. I wouldn't let it sit- even in full, tightly closed bottles- more than a few days.

 

[ptpdprinter]

I just read the MSDS on water (seriously). While not hazardous, handling precautions included wearing protective goggles and a lab coat. I am going to feel pretty silly wearing goggles and a lab coat in the shower.

 

[ptpdprinter]

Is Rodinal more hazardous than drain cleaner, which goes into your waste water every time you use it?

 

[Bill Clark]

More hazardous than household bleach?

 

[phrons]

More hazardous than household bleach?

I already use environmentally safe cleaning items. These do exist.

I get rebates almost every month, sometimes money back, from my energy company because the energy I use is so low.

My daily driver is a Prius.

I recycle everything.

I plant a lot of my own vegetables.

So, at least for me, this is something that I am in line with.

I realize that film isn't the most environmentally friendly thing, but I do the best I can in my own ways.

My comment isn't necessarily pointed towards you, but many seem to be scoffing at the idea that some people are choosing to use a product that would be more environmentally safe. I am not the OP

 

[Pioneer]

I don't think anyone is trying to make light of anyone's environmental consciousness.

Unfortunately some people seem inclined to strain at a gnat (tiny amounts of diluted Rodinal) while happily swallowing a camel (any motorized vehicle I can think of, especially a Prius.)

It would appear that Rodinal is as environmentally friendly as most of the alternatives, none of which provide the same results for me. I will continue to use Rodinal and dispose of it in a sound manner as normal.