How good is universal Print and film Developer?

[Bone_Idle]

A quick question. How good is universal Print and film Developer?

I'm wanting to try home processing and printing and have managed to cobble together a few items from eBay and freeCycle, and not I think I just need to get some chemicals.

I like the idea of a universal developer as it cuts down on expenditure whilst I experiment.

The Developer in question is Champion Suprol Universal Film & Print Developer, and I'll also get the Champion fixer.

[RichardSibley]

For experimenting universal developer should be fine. As you progress you may want to read up on a few different developers for films/paper that produce slightly different results.

From experience I've found that universal developer tends to produce better results for paper than it does for film.

[beejaybee]

How good is universal Print and film Developer?

Which one?

I used to use ID-11 for both film & paper. Worked very well for both, but that was before multigrade.

[Bone_Idle]

It's Champion Suprol Universal Film & Print Developer - saw it at First call photography.

[Bone_Idle]

For experimenting universal developer should be fine. As you progress you may want to read up on a few different developers for films/paper that produce slightly different results.

From experience I've found that universal developer tends to produce better results for paper than it does for film.

Thanks

[taxor]

As per the other replies. For experimentation, no probs. For anything approaching a fine print, use a dedicated film dev.

[Bone_Idle]

I suppose the next question is, what is a recomended film developer?

Bear in mind I have not developed a film before, so I don't want anything that needs 100% precision regarding temperature and mix etc.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Most universal developer work well for prints but less well for film.

If they give a range of dilutions and development times, use the greatest dilution they state. it will give the best shadow detail and least grain.
Don't add any time or temperature for "luck" you will just increase contrast and grain.