After two years absense from the darkroom - captivated by a dslr and learning photoshop - I want to develop a couple of films and make some prints this weekend. Is there any reason why ID-11 can't be used for the multigrade papers as well? At this rate of use, I am using dark room chemicals once and throwing out half full bottles.
I'm not sure what kind of image you'd get, but I think it would be inferior to that produced in a paper developer. Although I argued against it in another post, if you must use one developer for film and paper, then use a universal type like Ilford PQ universal.
Can't be a***d with a signature.
there's also the option of using inert gas to top half full bottles off, should extend the shelf life quite considerably
This does work, although you don't need to go to the expense of buying Tetenal Protectan, just use butane lighter refill gas. I've used it for ages and never had a problem. Just don't blow yourself up in the process!there's also the option of using inert gas to top half full bottles off, should extend the shelf life quite considerably
Can't be a***d with a signature.
ID11 is totally unsuitable for processing papers as it does not have enough active alkalie to make the reducing chemicals work for paper emulsions and has a large amount of Sodium Sulphite which is not necessary in paper developers.
Got COMPUTERISED at last and now Digitised but FILM still RULES!
Ilford ID11 is a very stable developer and even in half full bottles it will keep for months without going off. The bottles have to be glass preferably dark brown/or green. Plastic bottles are gas permeable so are not suited for long term storage.
As for supplies, Boots Pharmacy will sell you them in 100cc, 500cc and 1000cc for relatively few coppers. Or as Xmas is close, screw cap wine bottles when washed out (after drinking what's inside of course) do the job perfectly and cost nowt!
Paper developer if bought in 1 ltr bottles of stock, split that down to 1 x 500cc and 5 x 100cc (each 100cc of Ilford Multigrade developer is enough for an evenings printing when diluted (makes 1 litre of working solution)) and that also will keep for ages and not deteriorate.
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