Re: availability of D-76

[eml@xxxxxxxxx]

With Kodak and opthers leaving the Metol/Hydroquinone arena slowly,
D-76 (and its twin, ID-11) may eventually disappear.  But after all,
they ARE published formulas and there are tons of good replacements.  
I have never particularly liked D-76, at least straight.  Having a scale, 
a lot of years ago, I playerd around with D-76 a bit.  

I found that DK-76 (a legitimate Kodak formula, replacing the Borax in 
D-76 with an equal amount of Kodalk) diluted 1:1 was better than the 
stock product, straight or diluted.  I also found out that using 
Microdol-X diluted 1:3, equivalent speed was gotten, with approximately 
the same grain bu better sharpness.

Then I found out I could substitute Microphen for the Microdol and pixck up
another 1/3 to 1/2 stop of REAL (shadow) speed at no cost in grain or
gradation.  Another developer that really can outperform D-76 in the speed
vs. grain area is the original (1927) Leica Divided Developer.  This was
a contemporary to D-76, which produces a bit more speed and yet always 
produces finer grain and is more tolerant of exposure errors in the highlights.
If you want to see some really gorgeous negatives on modern T-grain films, 
mix the "A" solution with half the Sodium Sulfite of the original formula!

I have not yet touched upon Agfa's wonderful Atomal or Ilford's liquid 
Ilfosol-S, both of which produce results with comparable handling that 
would be comfortable for a D-76 lover.

So don't despair!  To anyone with determination, there are tons of perfectly
good alternatives!  And though we may not be able to depend on Kodak, we
can always use our own skill and ingeneuity!

Regards,
Ed Lukacs
A

-- 
    _/_/_/_/ _/_/    _/ _/   | Edward M. Lukacs 
   _/       _/ _/ _/_/ _/    | eml@xxxxxxxxx 
  _/_/_/   _/  _/  _/ _/     | 3850 Tunlaw Road, NW, Apt. 815 
 _/       _/      _/ _/      | Washington, DC 20007
_/_/_/_/ _/      _/ _/_/_/_/ | Telephone: (95) 202-338-1489


------------------------------

Topic No. 4