I became interested in trying two bath developers after reading the chapter on them in FDC2. I then remembered an old Agfa ad I came across with one and two bath formulas.
https://www.digitaltruth.com/gfx/rodinal-ad.png
Has anyone ever used this or another divided version of Rodinal before?
Divided Rodinal
Moderator: Black & White Moderators
Re: Divided Rodinal
I have just taken a second look at the formula that you posted. I was too hasty the first time through.
Bill Troop pointed out something I completely missed. This is not a two-bath formula. This is a two-part formula, Solution A and Solution B, which are combined according to instructions to form a single working solution.
The sodium sulfite is all in solution B, where it is unnecessary, and there is none in solution A, where it is needed to preserve the developing agent.
Bill also pointed out that the U.S. Customary and Metric amounts do not match up. For example, the formula calls for 25 oz. of water in both solutions but 1000 cubic centimeters (1 liter) in the metric column. At the very least, the U.S. Customary amount should be 32 oz. (1 quart). That said, whoever published this did adjust the U.S. Customary amounts for the less water, but why? For example, 1/2 oz. = 15 grams (not 20), and 1 1/2 oz. = 45 grams (not 60).
Finally, it does not claim to be a Rodinal substitute; it simply claims to be formulated by the "Manufacturers of the Patent 'Agfa' Developer," whatever that is.
Neither Bill nor I are clear on the pedigree of this formula, even though the design and layout look authentic. For all we know it may be a hoax. We both recommend careful testing before committing important negatives.
Bill Troop pointed out something I completely missed. This is not a two-bath formula. This is a two-part formula, Solution A and Solution B, which are combined according to instructions to form a single working solution.
The sodium sulfite is all in solution B, where it is unnecessary, and there is none in solution A, where it is needed to preserve the developing agent.
Bill also pointed out that the U.S. Customary and Metric amounts do not match up. For example, the formula calls for 25 oz. of water in both solutions but 1000 cubic centimeters (1 liter) in the metric column. At the very least, the U.S. Customary amount should be 32 oz. (1 quart). That said, whoever published this did adjust the U.S. Customary amounts for the less water, but why? For example, 1/2 oz. = 15 grams (not 20), and 1 1/2 oz. = 45 grams (not 60).
Finally, it does not claim to be a Rodinal substitute; it simply claims to be formulated by the "Manufacturers of the Patent 'Agfa' Developer," whatever that is.
Neither Bill nor I are clear on the pedigree of this formula, even though the design and layout look authentic. For all we know it may be a hoax. We both recommend careful testing before committing important negatives.
Do it in the Dark,
Steve Anchell
Steve Anchell