I just read the news that Paterson are to stop making their brand of developers. As I had pretty much standardised on Paterson developers (FX-39, Aculux and FX-50) this is a serious blow.
In common with most people who have used them I'm delighted by the speed, tonality, fine grain, and ability to get a good result from almost any film that these developers provide.
Obvioulsy I'd like to find replacements with all the same qualities.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I'm sure someone is going to say XTOL and I have used and rate this developer, but side by side comparison with FX-39 XTOL negatives are just slightly soft to my eyes. This is not a scientific test, I agree, but it is my eyes that get to judge the final print and excellent as it is I don't think I would be happy with XTOL.
Many thanks for all suggestions (even the ones to try Rodinal ;-) |
