Hi,

I am VERY new to photography, as well as developing my own film... I am shooting with Tri-X; and was planning on using D-76. However, I have been told that the "Sprint" brand of liquid chems are an easier way to first learn to process my film. Has anyone had experience with these chems? ANy tips or ideas? Thanks Phillip

-- Phillip Silitschanu (speedin_saab@hotmail.com), January 19, 2002

Answers

Phillip, you can use Sprint chemicals with confidence. They have been used by universities, photo programs, and individuals for years. They are indeed easier to use then many of the other chemicals. Especially since they all come in liquid form and mix 1:9. I have used them for years and like them a lot. This does not mean that, over time, you won't gravitate to use formulas/brands that you might find more to your liking. However, for starters, they are an EXCELLENT way to get going.

chris

p.s. Photographers doing their own darkroom work usually have their very own, favorite system of chemicals. So, you will probably get a zillion different opinions on this.

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), January 20, 2002.

I have never used sprint but have heard they are good products. I don't know your location but you may want to try local sources for this or other liquid equivalents, as shipping cost can be quite high due to the wieght of liquid involved if you plan to mail order.

-- James Chinn (jchinn2@dellepro.com), January 21, 2002.

Sprint is a great chemical system. Their negative developer is similiar to D76 and ID11. Their stop bath smells like vanilla which is a nice change and their fixer doesn't smell as pungent as others either. Nice system.

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), January 22, 2002.

Hi Phillip,

I just finished putting together my first darkroom and after reading many different threads on a variety of sites, I decided to start with the Sprint system. So far so good! I made some great prints the other week and just developed 4 rolls of film, Tri-X, that look great. I can't wait to print some more.

I took one B&W class and we used D-76 and the Sprint results seem very similar to me.

Have fun and let us know how it goes...

Richard

-- Richard Rodriguez (rodrigur@od.nih.gov), January 28, 2002.