Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/04/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]ATM49 is very similar, probably the same as AGFA Atomal, which I've tried. Calbe A49 is also likely close. I have no idea what you can and cannot buy off the shelf anymore, since I only really buy Xtol and mix everything else up myself. Don't confuse Atomal with Atomal FF; they are totally different developers - the latter is a phenidone HQ developer. The formula for Agfa Atomal is: Package A: Oxyethyl-ortho-aminophenol 6g Pyrocatechin 10g Hydroquinone 4g Package B: Sodiumsulfite anhyd. 100g Sodiumcarbonate anhyd. 25g Potassium bromide 1g Sodium metaphosphate 1g Dissolve in 750 ml of water at 50? C. Add cold Water to make 1 litre. It seems unnecessarily complicated to me. The o- aminophenol correctly is a silver solvent, not an active developer. One of the Windisch formulae uses 0-phenylenediamine in a similar way in an extra-fine-grain developer where Metol is the main developing agent. o-phenylenediamine is not an active reducing agent but is an effective solvent of silver halide. In my experience all the Agfa formulae lower midtones more than I want most of the time. I was thinking that I would develop some photos that I will take in Prague later this year in Rodinal or Rodinal Special to take advantage of the dark look, but having seen this maybe I'll try Atomal. I think mostly I prefer Xtol for providing the finest grain with excellent acutance. You can also get a VERY similar look at much lower cost by adding 3 mL of Rodinal per litre of Xtol 1+4 or 1+5. If you get fog or signs of infectious development due to lowering of the pH and activation of the ascorbate in the Xtol alone by the hydroxide in the Rodinal, add 1-2.5 g/L of borax. This brings the pH back down while maintaining alkalinity and activity. Irrespective of the developer, the photos look great. Keep at it, Marty