[pure-silver] Re: Selectol Soft comments
- From: "Richard Knoppow" <dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <pure-silver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2004 13:29:51 -0700
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie Thorsten" <charlie_thorsten@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <pure-silver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2004 12:14 PM
Subject: [pure-silver] Selectol Soft comments
> I've been working everyday with Selectol Soft
> for over a month now, and I've come up with a
> few distinct impressions of this print developer
> that others might find useful. FYI, I've been
> printing with Ilford MGFB Warmtone glossy.
>
> First, in addition to being lower contrast, the
> image is not as sharp either. If you develop
> the same print in Dektol/Neutol/Multigrade
> developer, grain and fine detail will be rendered
> "crisper". That said, I've found it to be a
> wonderful developer for large 35mm portraits
> because it softens the grain of the image just
> enough to produce a pleasing effect. It's not
> "fuzzy" or blurry or anything. Just not as
> high acutance. It gives very smooth tones.
>
> Second, tray life is relatively short. Ansel
> says in The Print that Selectol Soft has about
> half the capacity of Dektol for a given amount
> of stock solution. I tend to agree with that
> statement. Fresh solution is capable of very
> rich blacks, but that's the first thing to
> weaken as the developer starts to get exhausted.
> I've found I can continue to print if I
> replenish it with a bit of stock solution poured
> straight into the tray (maybe 1/2L to 1L). Don't
> even think about leaving it overnight to use the
> next day! It oxidizes very quickly.
>
> I've found the contrast difference to be about
> 1.5 grades softer than Dektol/Neutol. However,
> a print at Grade 2 in Dektol is not identical
> to a Grade 3.5 in Selectol Soft, even though the
> overall contrast will be similar. SS keeps the
> middle values "softer" (hence the name?) even
> at higher contrasts.
>
> And this is what I like about it for portraits.
> This has been a new printing experience for me
> since I've normally been a large format "Rocks,
> Roots & Rivers" kinda guy. I'm printing this
> project for another photographer who's publishing
> a book of this work next summer.
>
> Happy printing everyone!!
>
> -Charlie
>
>
You may be interested that Ansco/Agfa 120 is very
similar, if not identical, to Kodak Selectol Soft. There is
no published formula for Selectol Soft but its approzimate
constituents can be discovered from the MSDS. Here is the
Anso/Agfa formula for mix-your-own types who would like to
try it.
Agfa/Ansco 120 Soft Working Paper Developer Stock Solution
Water (at 125F or 52C) 750.0 ml
Metol 12.3 grams
Sodium sulfite, dessicated 36.0 grams
Sodium Carbonate, monohydrated 36.0 grams
Potassium bromide 1.8 grams
Water to make 1.0 liter
If Sodium carbonate, anhydrous is used the amount is
31 grams
Dilute 1:1 to 1:3 for use.
More bromide can be added if desired for somewhat warmer
tones.
I also suggest trying Kodak Ektaflo Type-2. This is a
liquid concentrate which is similar to the now discontinued
Ektonol developer. Kodak won't release the formula for
Ektonol but it was similar to Selectol except it contains
metaborate in the form of Borax and Sodium Hydroxide. It is
more active than Selectol Soft but is a good warm tone
developer.
---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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