What are some shortcuts and tricks for developing Black and White film?
For reversal processing, some people use readily available Kodak D-19 as the first and second developer, instead of mixing Kodak’s D-94 and D-95 formulas. Others have used Kodak Dektol (including myself). Any high contrast, fast acting developer is a good candidate. Some have also used Agfa Rodinal, which tends to be very grainy but sharp. For reversal processing, a silver solvent (such as Sodium Thiocyanate) is often added in small quantity to lower grain to the FIRST DEVELOPER ONLY (do not add it to the second developer – fog will develop in the film). Black and white reversal requires fast acting high contrast developers (ones that have more Hydroquinone than Metol/Elon, and use fast accelerators such as Sodium Hydroxide), as opposed to negative film. For reversal processing, many have trouble getting Sulfuric Acid for the R-9 bleach, and paying for hazard charges for shipment. Car battery acid, available in stores such as Sears, is usually pure Sulfuric Acid in full concentrate. BE
