I have been trying to achieve richer blacks on my prints. we have limited materials (dev & paper).Only Fiber based Sterling -Any suggestions on additives to D-163 that can bring out better tone and blacks - is printing deeper with Farmers reudcer on every print ok I have tested the safelight it is ok Thanks in advance Rajkumar

-- K. Rajkumar (krajkumar@vsnl.com), December 11, 1999

Answers

I did a quick search on D-163, which I am not familiar with. I found the formula at http://www.spectrumphoto.com/darkroom/formulas/kd163.html. The site indicates the developer has "a slight bias towards high contrast," and with the quantity of hydroquinone the developer has it should give excellent blacks. Typically, when printing one strives to get the high values correct through exposure adjustments and development, while changing paper grades to obtain the desired blacks. I suggest that you need a higher contrast paper. If this is not an option, you could increase the amount of sodium carbonate in the developer.

I didn't quite understand your reference to Farmers reducer. I presume you are overprinting, then using Farmers to reduce the high values. This should work.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), December 13, 1999.

I have used D163 since 1950 - and still use it. It is a good bog standard developer for prints, much as D76 is for film. Both are excellent developers. The paper you use is OK and the combination should give good results if you give adequate developing time - at least 2 minutes at 20C. You can quickly eliminate any doubts about D163 by trying and comparing another product. If this does not help, I suggest you look elsewhere for a solution to your problem. Track down any light leaks in your darkroom, doors are the usual culprit, and enlarger lamp house. Also look at your enlarging lens for dusty surfaces that will affect contrast. And of course Safelights that may not be safe.

-- Clifford Brown (clifford.brown@dial.pipex.com), January 23, 2000.