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
- 1For 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).
- 2For photo paper, dilute the concentrate at a ratio of 1:10.
- 3Develop 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
Chemical structures: PubChem (public domain)
Mixing it at home
A highly concentrated Rodinal-style developer, but built on metol. You make a concentrate, then dilute it to suit the task.
- 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 metol.
Key points
- It is the sodium hydroxide that finishes dissolving the metol and clears the solution — add it in small portions and wear gloves and goggles.