D-23 film developer

Description

A developer of two reagents: metol and sodium sulphite, and nothing else. Soft highlights, compensating action and no hydroquinone at all.

Why there is no alkali in it

Sodium sulphite gives a mildly alkaline solution on its own, which is why D-23 works slowly and gently. In dense highlights it exhausts faster than in the shadows, so contrast holds itself back — that is what compensating action means. On a contrasty subject where the sky would otherwise burn out, it saves the frame.

When to reach for it

Portraits on a sharp lens, shooting into the light, a scene with a wide brightness range. Grain is a little coarser than D-76, shadows stay open and highlights hold. It is also the usual first bath in two-bath development.

Questions and answers

Can the working solution be kept?

Yes, for months in a full closed bottle — there is a great deal of sulphite here and it protects the solution from oxidation.