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"Mikrat" Film Developer

A high-contrast developer for special halftone technical films such as "Mikrat" and FT-20/30/40.

About this developer

This developer is intended for special halftone films used in technical photography—such as the domestic “FT-20,” “FT-30,” “FT-40,” “Mikrat,” and similar types. Developing these films requires a special high-contrast developer, and this formula is designed specifically for that purpose. Processing time is 2–3 minutes at a working temperature of 20°C. Up to 5 rolls of photographic film can be processed in 1 liter of freshly prepared solution.

Character

A high-contrast developer for special halftone technical films used in technical photography.

Best films

FT-20, FT-30, FT-40, “Mikrat,” and similar technical halftone films.

How to Prepare and Use

  1. 1In a 1-liter container, dissolve the contents of the “large package” in 500–600 mL of distilled water at 45–50°C: Trilon B, sodium sulfite, potassium bromide, and potassium carbonate (potash)—thoroughly crush any lumps until completely dissolved.
  2. 2In a separate container, dissolve the contents of the second packet (methol and hydroquinone) in 200–250 ml of water at 45–50°C, adding 50–70 ml of the solution from the first packet first—stir thoroughly until all crystals are completely dissolved.
  3. 3Pour both mixtures together right away and let them cool.
  4. 4When the temperature reaches 20°C, add distilled water until the level reaches the 1-liter mark.
  5. 5Let the freshly prepared solution stand for 2–3 hours, then filter it through cotton wool to remove the insoluble impurities of menthol and hydroquinone.
  6. 6Develop the film for 2–3 minutes at a working temperature of 20°C.
  7. 7Store the developer in a container filled as much as possible with the solution (with as little air inside as possible).

Pros

  • Provides the desired high contrast on special halftone technical films
  • Good capacity—up to 5 rolls per liter
  • Can be stored for up to 2 months in the filled container

Cons

  • It is useless for standard photographic film—it is designed only for technical emulsions
  • A short cooking time (2–3 minutes) requires precise temperature and timer control
  • Technical films (FT-20/30/40) are hard to come by these days

Recipe for 1 liter

Metol
5 g
Metol
Hydroquinone
6 g
Hydroquinone
Anhydrous sodium sulfite
40 g
Anhydrous sodium sulfite
Potassium carbonate (potash)
40 g
Potassium carbonate (potash)
Potassium bromide
6 g
Potassium bromide
Trilon B
1 g
Trilon B

Dissolve the alkaline activator (potash) and the other salts in the first batch at 45–50°C; add the developing agents (metol and hydroquinone) are dissolved in the second packet, separately and with a portion of the already prepared solution, to prevent oxidation.

Chemical structures: PubChem (public domain)