See what happens when alspix—the man who brought us the now-legendary matchbox pinhole camera—processes film in year-old, over-used C-41 colour negative chemistry from a DIY kit. The results are surprising!
Read about it at Alspix Stuff.
He used this Nova C-41 kit, which is available in the UK. For those in the US, check out the variable time, variable temperature Arista quart and gallon C-41 kits, as well as pint, quart, and gallon E-6 (slide/positive/reversal) kits from Freestyle Photo.
Ilford Photo press release:
Extending darkroom options on printing black-and-white images to further levels of artistry is a new selenium toner from ILFORD Photo.
One of the major benefits of using silver photography, and processing prints in chemistry baths, is the degree of control which can be exerted on the finished product. This is never more obvious than when extending the purity of tone and line inherent in black-and-white photography with the use of toners. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is a field into which ILFORD Photo has put a great deal of research and development. Due for availability in summer 2006 is the first of what will be a full range of colour toners from ILFORD Photo – ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner – which takes the artistry of a monochrome print to perfection. This high quality formula is straightforward in use and has several advantages in addition to emphasising the versatile tonal range of black-and-white prints.
The degree of effect which any toner will have on a print depends on, firstly, the dilution of the solution; secondly, the time the print is immersed; and thirdly, the type of paper being used.
The ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner will be supplied as a ready prepared liquid, so there are no particular toxic concerns, and is recommended to be used at 1+10 dilution for optimum results. The time required will depend on the tonal quality of the print, but around 5 minutes is a general guide.
This mix will enhance the maximum density (Dmax) of the blacks, and change the image tone. The toner absorbs any olive hue present, and pushes shadows towards a purplish black finish with no discernable effect on the highlights. The effects will be most noticeable when using MULTIGRADE WARMTONE papers, but more subtle on harder papers such as MULTIGRADE IV.
The reaction of the selenium on the silver halide (AgX) of the print hardens the adherence of the image to the paper, thereby improving its stability, permanence and archival properties as well as defining its appearance.
Altogether, ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner will provide the finishing touch which turns an excellent black-and-white picture into a photographic masterpiece.
Further information on ILFORD Photo toners can be found on the new ILFORD Photo website: ilfordphoto.com.
Via PhotographyBLOG
Silverprint have done a quick review of Ilford‘s new Harman Cooltone and Warmtone B&W paper developers.
According to Silverprint, "Having now had a chance to lab test the new Ilford Warmtone and Coldtone developers, we can state categorically they are the most effective specialised print developers ever placed on the market."
Continue reading and see samples at Silverprint News.
From Silverprint News:
"As they promised, the German company a&o, who aquired Agfa’s chemical range after the dissolution of AgfaPhoto, have lost no time in relaunching the range onto the market . All products are available apart from one or two of the more esoteric ones, Viradon toner and Sistan image stabiliser, and these are unlikely to be made again. However all the favourites are there, including Rodinal neg. developer and the Neutol print developers, and we are expecting the first big delivery on 1st March."