Selenium Toner

[wv_cactus]

I have been taking photographs and developing my own film for only a couple of years. Just got my darkroom put together and am ready to start making prints. Although I have been making prints in the bathroom for a couple of months, I have not made or used any toners.... I have a 16 oz bottle of "Berg Selenium" to start with but am confused on how to start with it (what dilution). I have Oriental and Ilford RC/VC paper to learn on.... I have researched on the web about use and storage and have found only one consistent thing, most of the opinion about use and storage is inconsistent.... If your using selenium, do you remember how you started and what you would do differently from experience ?

 

[xia_ke]

I have never used selenium for RC prints, only for FB. I keep a gallon of it mixed in a Delta jug. The starting dilution was 1:20. From there, everything I have done has been based upon "feel". I'm in-between darkrooms at the moment, but always stuck with one paper and developer combo in the past. The selenium will act differently with every combo, at least it has in my experience. With FB papers (again, I haven't used RC) you will see toning taking effect and I will pull my prints just before the toning gets to where I want it as the toner will continue to have an effect until it is washed from the paper. Over time you will notice that the toning takes longer and longer as the selenium gets depleted. At this point I just add some more undiluted selenium to the jug.

The one thing I would do differently and will do once I get back to printing, is make several copies of the same print, and then test toning at different temps and dilutions. Using Varycon FB matte and LPD produced a wide range of effects depending on toner temp.

 

[wv_cactus]

I have never used selenium for RC prints, only for FB. I keep a gallon of it mixed in a Delta jug. The starting dilution was 1:20. From there, everything I have done has been based upon "feel". I'm in-between darkrooms at the moment, but always stuck with one paper and developer combo in the past. The selenium will act differently with every combo, at least it has in my experience. With FB papers (again, I haven't used RC) you will see toning taking effect and I will pull my prints just before the toning gets to where I want it as the toner will continue to have an effect until it is washed from the paper. Over time you will notice that the toning takes longer and longer as the selenium gets depleted. At this point I just add some more undiluted selenium to the jug.

The one thing I would do differently and will do once I get back to printing, is make several copies of the same print, and then test toning at different temps and dilutions. Using Varycon FB matte and LPD produced a wide range of effects depending on toner temp.

Thank You for the response... Guess the best thing for me to do is make up two batches, one strong dilution and one weaker dilution and go from there.... After looking at my inventory I discovered that all the different fixers I have, have a hardener in them....Just as well get the chemicals I don't already have to make my own non-hardening fixer.... I am looking at Adams non hardening formula....... Do you make your own, or get pre-made formulas?

 

[xia_ke]

Hi wv,

I use Ilford Rapid Fixer which is a non hardening fixer. Also, I didn't mention it before and not sure if you are aware, but you will need to wash your prints before toning.

 

[wv_cactus]

Hi wv,

I use Ilford Rapid Fixer which is a non hardening fixer. Also, I didn't mention it before and not sure if you are aware, but you will need to wash your prints before toning.

Thanks for the tip.... I just received some Arista Rapid Fixer, How long do you fix with the Ilford RF ?

 

[pixelated]

Thanks for the tip.... I just received some Arista Rapid Fixer, How long do you fix with the Ilford RF ?

Most rapid fixers take about the same time, generally 1 - 2 minutes.
The real way to judge is by doing a retained silver test, which you can do with some of your selenium toner.

 

[newsgrunt]

Depends on why you're toning in selenium. are you after tonal change or just permanence ? For the most part, I tone for subtle changes and use 1:19 I think.

 

[Morry Katz]

I use the 1:19 ratio and mix it in with my first hypo clear bath - as outlined in "The Print"
by Ansel Adams