Gast
As I recently discovered in a specialist shop, Agfa has apparently discontinued the Neutol (powder) paper developer. I am now on the lookout for a replacement, preferably one that doesn’t require extensive testing. As is well known, one of the advantages of powder developers is the excellent shelf life of the working solution.
One alternative is Calbe’s N 113. According to the manufacturer, this developer can be prepared in the same way as Neutol. That is to say, the 10-litre pack is used to prepare a 5-litre stock solution, which is then diluted 1:1 with water to produce the working solution as required. Advantage: you need fewer storage bottles and the solution has a longer shelf life.
Another alternative I am aware of is Eukobrom (powder). I would be interested to know what solution forum members have arrived at here, or are powder developers hardly used anymore?
Regards, Otto Beyer!
uworischki
I use almost exclusively N113 in the 10-litre packs and am very happy with it. Although I must say that I’m using developer that was manufactured back in the GDR, so it’s over 13 years old (the powder, of course ;) ). It practically lasts forever.
Uwe
Gast
Hello,
The Neutol situation is really tough. The NEUTOL WA in salt form was really great.
I use the N113 sold by Impex, as well as Eukobrom, in salt form. Not only does it keep much better in storage, but it also seems to last much longer in an open container than the liquid versions!
N113 is incredibly consistent and reliable, and is easy to control without needing to be regenerated too precisely. A real workhorse for everyday use.
For me, Eukobrom packs more of a punch. When everything’s a bit flat, Eukobrom really brings out a strong black, even with a short development time.
Jacques
Does FOTOIMPEX stock Eukobrom powder? If not, where can I find it?
Jacques
MirkoBoeddecker
Jacques,
We can get hold of Euko powder. It’s just that people don’t ask for it every day.
Unfortunately, it’s now only available in 10–20-litre containers and no longer in the handy 5-litre bags.
The price per container is just under €10.50, all inclusive.
Best regards,
Mirko
cfb_de
But because the stuff keeps for ages when properly packaged as a stock solution, you can easily make 10 litres at a go. I made 12 litres last year, and the canister that’s been sitting untouched in the cellar ever since still isn’t even a hint of yellow. I recently refreshed the half I’m currently using with half a litre of fresh stock.
Best regards,
Franz
P.S.: By ‘sealed properly’, I mean: a sealed chemical canister, into which I bubbled argon for about 5 minutes before screwing the lid on. For non-chemists, argon is cheaply available at DIY stores for inert gas welding and has the advantage over Protectan that it doesn’t burn and you can smoke whilst working with it.
Gast
Hi Franz,
What does ‘letting it bubble through’ mean?
Does the oxygen dissolved in the initial water then get replaced by argon (whatever that is)?
Best regards,
Mirko
