edinman <edin...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>I know that D-72, which is the Kodak formula that Dektol
>is supposedly based on, was originally billed as a universal
>developer for papers, films and plates.
>Ironically, a 1940s-era chemical formula publication I have
>actually suggests a higher dilution of developer to water
>for film than for paper, although there is no reason given.
>Grain was not seen as so critical when almost all films were
>slow and most everybody used large format sheet film negatives.
>It was quite routine to toss the films and paper into the same
>trays to process.  With the advent of high speed emulsions and
>small format roll films, fine-grain developers became more
>common.
>If I could only have one developer, however, it would probably
>still be Dektol or a similar substitute.  With slower films I
>am told it can produce quite acceptable results as a negative
>developer.  But, of course, the best thing to do is just to
>experiment and make up your own mind about this if you're
>interested.
>--Ed