formula for lith type developers?

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I'm interested in trying some lithography paper developers like kodalith, but would like to mix my own chemistry. I have SA's "Darkroom Cookbook" (I currently mix all my own chemistry) but it doesn't specifically list highly active lith type developers. Does anyone know of a formula I could try, or start with, or point me in some direction? TIA doug

-- doug mcfarland (junquemail222@yahoo.com), January 31, 2001

Answers

From memory only, the classic lith developer is Hydroquinone and Potassium Hydroxide only. Something like 20gms of Hydroquinone and 30gms of Potassium hydroxide to a litre of water, but don't quote me on that. The formula can probably be put together quite sloppily, since exposure and development have to be found by trial and error with lith materials anyway.

-- Pete Andrews (P.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), January 31, 2001.

Ansco 70
This developer is recommended for PROCESS FILM, used in reproduction work.

SOLUTION 1
Water (125 deg F or 52 deg C) - 750.0 ml
Hydroquinone - 25.0 grams
Potassium Metabisulfite - 25.0 grams
Potassium Bromide - 25.0 grams
Add cold water to make - 1.0 liter

SOLUTION 2
Cold water - 1.0 liter
*Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) . 36.0 grams
or
*Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash) 50.0 grams

* Cold water should always be used when dissolving sodium or potassium hydroxide because considerable heat is involved. If hot water is used, the solution will boil with violence and may cause serious burns.

Mix equal parts of Solutions 1 and 2 immediately before use. Develop films within 3 minutes at 68 deg F (20 deg C).

-- Ed Buffaloe (edb@unblinkingeye.com), January 31, 2001.

After some further searching on the internet, I guess I can answer my own question on lith formulas. For those who like to mix your own chemistry, Melaleuca Photographics has several lith formulas and directions for film and paper use.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~forbes/lithdev.html

Doug

-- doug mcfarland (junquemail222@yahoo.com), February 04, 2001.


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