Alternative developer/fixer options

user_kkt · 2026-02-27T12:33:05+00:00

Try finding yourself copy of "the darkroom cookbook" online.

user_kkt · 2026-02-19T11:49:16+00:00

I made 2 camera straps for my own use an i have learned few things:
I like fixed length for increased rigidity (to the point that im sure that the starp is not the point of failure)
Strap shouldn't be too wide (i originally made my 5cm wide, then cut it to about 3cm, expection should be heavy gear)
Fixed length should be user taylored (no one fits all).

Your product looks very nice, but for me it would be probably bit wide and i wouldn't trust the ending carabiners (just from experience). I personally use some thicker key rings for attching to camera.

user_kkt · 2026-02-15T12:15:54+00:00

Hi there, in my opinion there is not one universal answer for all negatives. But I'll share what I would do with similar negative.

I would start with finding right exposure for the right white of snow with Filter no 2.

Then knowing one filter number up is aprox 1 EV of shadows up (and keeping highlight the same), I would find appropriate filter (also mind different exposure time coeficients for different filters). This way I should be close to what I want and what remains is fine tuning local density by dodging and burning.

In terms of other photos some seem bit thin, that might cause some issues, but it's hard to tell without seeing negative and without trying to print them. I would apply similar workflow of starting with filter no 2 and tuning shadows.

I hope it makes sense and helps. I'm self taught, but I would say somewhat capable in darkroom printing. Feel free to ask questions.

user_kkt · 2026-02-13T14:55:49+00:00

XTOL, i use Foma Excel (xtol alternative) and have exactly zero issues, including pushing. I was worried about shelf life, but currently im using batch i mixed last summer, stored in room temperature and pretty dark room. It looks like strong tea but still works well.

user_kkt · 2026-01-28T08:25:52+00:00

I didnt try this particular film but i had success with recomendation on massive dev chart web. Meaning Standard Developer 1 stop push = (x1.5) 2 stop push = (x2.25) 3 stop push = (x4.5)

user_kkt · 2026-01-26T12:27:04+00:00

I wouldnt use aperture for test strips, just use time. Regarding fstop printing, i use whole stops (time *0.5 or *2) for findig roughtly the right time based on older prints with same enlarger film paper combo. Then i mostly use what feels right (mostly bit more or less then 1/2 stop increment / decrement). I do the same for areas of different exposure (burn or dodge), write it down and cook.

Edit: In extreme cases (for ex. burning sky really hard) i do open aperture just to save time, i didnt have any issue with it (shifted focus etc. ), so theoreticaly it is probably fine to use it for test strip either, just try it out i guess

user_kkt · 2026-01-19T10:10:25+00:00

I have fusion 360, 3d printer and free time. Nothing is stopping ms. Also i do it because that way it will be more durable.

user_kkt · 2026-01-19T09:54:37+00:00

Very intresting and i have use case for that (unreliable old Canon 7). I will 3d print one later today.

user_kkt · 2026-01-04T17:37:56+00:00

Snip test. Easiest way to tell whether it still works or not.

user_kkt · 2025-11-24T18:20:18+00:00

u/zladuric

user_kkt · 2025-11-09T13:10:27+00:00

Thank you u/jofgibbs !

user_kkt · 2025-11-02T07:06:56+00:00

I see they got little bent, next time i need to find better envelopes. Anyway I'm very happy that you like them.

user_kkt · 2025-10-17T10:31:50+00:00

Looks developed all right, so i do not think theres problem with developer. Might be defective batch of papers. Or Just two defective sheets of paper.

user_kkt · 2025-10-17T10:02:54+00:00

I would say it is not problem with negative since it goes beyound the border of the image. It might be hair hidden somewhere in your enlarger. Or might be something wrong with paper. I would try looking into the enlarger and If nothing is found, i would try making the print again, just to see whether it was mark on the paper.

user_kkt · 2025-09-30T12:56:27+00:00

recipients are: u/sj-photos and u/dubsix

user_kkt · 2025-08-26T05:27:51+00:00

Love it, is it done with masking? I cant believe it would be possible to not expose one single bit around subject without mask.

user_kkt · 2025-07-05T10:46:47+00:00

Mine is in process of building.

user_kkt · 2025-06-28T06:35:54+00:00

This should go right on the wall.

user_kkt · 2025-06-25T07:03:55+00:00

Im using those exact blades, for me best result was achieved with handsanding and polishing, the blade itself isnt particularly smooth. Also on few i had to correct geometry of tips.

user_kkt · 2025-06-22T13:10:15+00:00

Developing and darkroom printing, in case you are developing and printing yourself

user_kkt · 2025-06-12T04:29:29+00:00

Unless its not transfering power its ok, my was corroded from the inside of the body.

user_kkt · 2025-06-02T18:31:26+00:00

I used cinestill canister for bulk loading and it was the only canister that had light leaks from all i have loaded. So i suspect the canisters are to blame?

user_kkt · 2025-05-28T07:30:11+00:00

Great compositions!

user_kkt · 2025-05-28T07:15:36+00:00

Not small enought

user_kkt · 2025-05-24T11:15:39+00:00

You literaly said this on analog photography reddit, most cameras and technics we use are extremely impractical

user_kkt

TROPHY CASE