Page 93 - The Wellington photographic handbook

If it is desired to use anhydrous instead of crystalline sodium
sulphite and sodium carbonate the following proportions will be
found correct :—Sodium sulphite 350 grains (22 grammes), Sodium
carbonate 350 grains (22 grammes).
The Amidol developer given below yields tones rather colder
than those produced by the formula above mentioned, but of
exceptional depth and richness.
AMIDOL (DIAMIDOPHENOL) DEVELOPER.*
Sodium Sulphite (cryst.) ... 480 grains 30 grammes
Amidol (Diamidophenol) ... 35 ,, 2-2 ,,
Potassium Bromide ... ... 20 1-2 „
Water to 20 ounces 500 c.c.
This developer will keep in good condition for three days only.
The Borax-M.Q. formula given on page 15 is also very
suitable for the development of B.B. Paper. The image is
warmer in tone than that obtainable with the developers
mentioned above and slightly softer.
As previously mentioned, B.B. paper possesses remarkable
latitude and a print over-exposed within reasonable limits may
be saved by shortening the period of development. The aim of
the worker, however, should be to produce by correct exposure
and normal development, prints, not only good in quality, but of
perfect uniformity. He should, therefore, endeavour to use his
developer always at a standard temperature (from 60° to 65° Fahr.
is the most suitable) and develop for a standard time. Unless
intended for Sulphide toning there is no need to develop a B.B.
print to finality, as is recommended in the case of bromide papers.
The print will be all the better, so to speak, for having when develop-
ment is complete a little exposure in reserve. At 65° Fahr. develop-
ment will be finished in from one and a half to two minutes. The
worker should remember that the warm black tone obtainable on
B.B. Paper is produced with unfailing regularity, provided the
developer is used for a standard period at a uniform temperature.
A B.B. print as it lies in the developer always appears a shade
or two darker than it does after fixing. This should be allowed
for in developing.
* Before making up any formula, read the notes on pages 125, 126 and 134
73