Metolal (Metolov Rodinal)
A highly concentrated, all-purpose metol-based developer—an alternative to Rodinal for film and photo paper.
About the Developer
Metolal is a highly concentrated, universal developer developed by Patrick Heiner as an alternative to Rodinal, but based on metol (n-methyl-p-aminophenol sulfate) rather than para-aminophenol—these substances are chemically similar, which made it possible to create a developer with comparable properties and longevity. The concentrate can be stored for at least 6 months, and up to 2 years in a cool, dark place. For film, the working solution is prepared at a dilution of 1+50; for photographic paper, 1+10 (which produces a soft look).
Character
A highly concentrated, all-purpose developer, similar to Rodinal but using metol instead of para-aminophenol. Suitable for both film and photographic paper; the concentrate has a shelf life of at least six months, and up to two years when stored in a cool, dark place.
Best films
According to the source: Fomapan 100, Fortepan 100, Sveda/ORWO films, and materials with similar sensitivity (ISO 100–800) at a dilution ratio of 1+50.
How to Prepare and Use
- 1Dissolve a small amount of sodium sulfite (about 10 g) in distilled water.
- 2Add methyl to the solution—it will not dissolve completely at this stage.
- 3Add sodium hydroxide—under its action, all the menthol will dissolve, and the solution will clear up.
- 4Dissolve the remaining sodium sulfite, then add distilled water to bring the total volume to 1 liter.
- 5Filter the solution to remove any seed crystals that might interfere with the crystallization of methanol.
- 6For the film, prepare a working solution using a ratio of 1 part concentrate to 50 parts water (for example, 10 mL of concentrate to 400 mL of solution).
- 7For photo paper, dilute the concentrate at a ratio of 1:10.
- 8Develop the film by agitating the spiral 2–3 turns every 3 minutes.
Development time for film (1+50 dilution)
| Film | ISO / Sensitivity | Time @ 20°C |
|---|---|---|
| Fomapan 100 | ISO 100 | 15 min |
| Fomapan 100 (push) | ISO 200 | 21 min |
| Fortepan 100 | ISO 100 | 16–17 min |
| Fortepan 100 (push) | ISO 200 | 22–23 min |
The time is provided by the recipe source itself (not Massive Dev Chart) for a 1+50 dilution ratio and an agitation regimen of 2–3 coil rotations every 3 minutes; this is a starting point—adjust it to suit your film and agitation method.
Pros
- The concentrate can be stored for up to 2 years in a cool, dark place
- Works with both film and photo paper
- Economical: the working solution is diluted at a ratio of 1:50
Cons
- Requires caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)—handle with care
- Long development times at 1+50 (15–23 minutes or more)
- The information on films is limited to the materials in the source (Fomapan/Fortepan/Sveema); for other films, you'll need to determine the exposure time on your own.
Recipe for 1 liter of concentrate
Metol does not dissolve in water with a high concentration of sodium sulfite; therefore, first only about 10 g of sulfite is dissolved, then metol is added (it will not all dissolve), followed by sodium hydroxide, which causes all the metol to dissolve into the solution, making it clear, and only then is the remaining sodium sulfite dissolved. The solution must be filtered to remove any seed crystals.
Chemical structures: PubChem (public domain)