Classic Darkroom Tip of the Week

Two bath Film Developers

Ever Wondered what film developer Formula Leitz Recommends?

Two bath developers are best for increasing shadow detail.  The film will  print with much more detail with better contrast control.  The Smoothest and Tonal graduations acheived from the two bath process are simply better than any other film developer.  The two bath process ia also very quick and very forgiving of tempurature and timing errors.

Leitz Two Bath Formula Film Developer

Ansel Adams Two bath Formula Film Developer

LeicaGallery Two bath Formula Film Developer

Directions:

  1. Pour solution A into tank/drum

  2. Agitate continuosly for 3 minutes

  3. Empty solution from tank/drum back into container

  4. Pour solution B into tank/drum

  5. Agitate continuosly for 3 minutes

  6. Empty solution from tank/drum back into container

  7. Water Stop (5 short 10 second agitated washes),

  8. Fix for 2 Minutes (Alkaline fix is best)

  9. Wash Film 20 Minutes in Running Water

If you use an Acid fix in step 8, you may experiment with pouring the used developer solutions A&B back into the tank/drum.  Agitate for 2 minutes.  Water rinse 15 seconds prior to this step.  Continue with step 9 for washing.  This will improve tanning & staining.  If possible Alkaline Stop Baths and Alkaline Fixer is recommended for All film development regardless of the type of developer that is used.