Modified Paper Developer Wet Process Formula Fine Art Black and White Printing Photography Darkroom

Fine Art Black and White Photography Darkroom (Wet Process)

So you call yourself a master black and white printer. Try this formula out. I had success using this modified paper developer back in the early 70s. This solution is best suited for exhibition-quality photographs printed on high-quality graded fiber-based paper. This formula allows you to make prints with extended tonal range and deep blacks.

Jesús Manuel Mena Garza

Modified Paper Developer (1971)

Stock Solutions

1 oz Potassium Bromide to 10 oz water - stock solution
1 oz Sodium Carbonate to 16 oz water - stock solution
1/4 teaspoon Hydroquinone - added last
10 oz Dektol stock

Mix

Measure 20 oz water into tray
Pour in 10 oz Dektol stock solution
Follow with 7 oz of Sodium Carbonate stock
Add 1 1/2 oz Potassium Bromide stock
Add 1/4 teaspoon Hydroquinone powder
Mix thoroughly

Processing

Modified developer works best at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Develop print for 3 minutes
Stop 30 seconds
Fix 5 minutes, no more
25 ml Selenium Toning Agent for American paper
50 ml Selenium Toning Agent for Brovira paper
6 oz Hypo Eliminator, from stock solution mix 1 to 4 or add 24 oz water to 6 oz stock solution

Cut, paste and save my formula using your text editor or click here and download MS Word document.

Warning

Use of my formula does not guarantee success. In the end you are responsible for the quality of your work. Having prints with extended tonal range and deep blacks does not make up for a poor negative and/or artistry.

Please make a test print to demonstrate if your batch is good. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. You too can produce exhibition-quality photographic prints.