In Hutchings' book, he writes that the addition of amidol to the standard PMK formula will allow for an increased EI of 1/3-1/2 stop. I find myslelf using TMY, Delta 400 and other 400ISO films quite often at 1 stop underexposure (i.e., 800ISO), and I was wondering if it might be worthwhile for me to order a supply of amidol from PF. Has anyone any advice in regards to this? I use 6x7 format, and usually develop at 80degreees to keep grain down, since I like a fairly contrasty negative. Is amidol OK at this temp.? And any mixing tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. shawn

-- shwn gibson (s_g@stu.wdw.utoronto.ca), December 22, 1999

Answers

I have used this formula with some success. The amidol changes the color of the negatives somewhat, but I have been able to print my negatives developed in PMK+ with no problems. I can get a speed of 500 to 640 out of T-Max 400, and a true 400 out of Delta 400 with it. I also use it for Delta 3200, but I still rate this film at only 800. PMK is really not the best developer for push processing--X-tol is probably a better choice--but if you only need an extra 1/3 to 1/2 stop, PMK+ is a viable option. Also, it only requires about a tenth of a gram to a liter of working solution, so you don't need to buy very much amidol, which is quite expensive.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), December 23, 1999.