Dilute Developers and how to tell how much chemical needed

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When diluting developers how do you know how much chemical is needed to complete the development? I have been using D76 diluted 1:1 and 1:3 for 35mm. In this situation I have a Nikor tank which holds 8 ounces of fluid, so in the first case I used 4oz D76, and in the second case I only used 2oz. The results in these cases were both satisfactory. If I want to try greater dilutions how do I know how much D76 is needed to complete developement, given an adequate amount of time?

This also comes up when tray developing sheet film. How do I know the quantity of developer needed for each sheet? Is there a table somewhere that lists this, such as so many ml per cm^2 of film? I know I could experiment, and I probably will, but I would rather be out taking pictures.

By the way the developers I use regurly are D76, Microdol-x and TMax (don't like it yet, but I have a bottle). I plan on trying Rodinal soon.

Thanks,

Larry

-- Larry Gebhardt (larry@gebhardts.net), March 10, 2002

Answers

Larry, I believe Kodak offers this information on their website. AGFA does as well.

One way to be sure you have enough developer is to increase the volume of water while keeping the developer amount constant. Obviously, you'll need larger capacity tanks or trays. This way, at least, you'll know you have sufficient developer.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), March 11, 2002.


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