Can I use Dektol or other paper developer instead of Rockland Tintype Developer to make tintype plates?
Sorry, no. Bear in mind that tintypes are printed on black plates, so if you use ordinary paper developer you’ll get a black image, or black-on-black. Tintype Developer, on the other hand, will yield a light-colored image that will show up against the black background. For tintypes or ambrotypes, use Rockland Tintype Developer. (The same emulsion– Ag-Plus– is also used for normal prints against a light-colored background. In this case, of course, use Dektol or other paper developer.
