ORWO-14
An inexpensive, metol-based, fine-grain leveling developer for reel film—a workhorse originally from the GDR.
About the Developer
ORWO-14, a metol-based, equalizing, fine-grain developer, is designed for developing roll film manufactured both domestically and abroad. It is an affordable fine-grain developer that has been used successfully for decades. It operates at a standard temperature of 20°C, with a development time of 10–12 minutes. The sodium sulfite content—an antioxidant that protects the developing agents from oxidation—is slightly lower than standard, so partially used developer should not be stored for long periods.
Character
A simple and inexpensive methyl-soda leveling developer for roll film—both domestic and imported. The lower-than-standard sodium sulfite content makes the partially used solution less stable for storage.
Best films
Medium-ISO black-and-white roll films—ORWO NP/NC, Svema, Tasma, Fomapan 100/200, and modern films with similar sensitivity—for budget-friendly, fine-grain processing.
Pros
- A cheap and simple recipe with four ingredients
- Tried and tested for decades on films of various origins
- Produces a fine grain and has a smoothing effect
Cons
- Lower sulfite content—partially used solution spoils faster
- There are no current time charts for specific films—only a general range of 10–12 minutes
- It is less stable than buffered developers (D-76, Agfa Final)
Recipe for 1 liter
Chemical structures: PubChem (public domain)
Mixing it at home
A simple metol–soda levelling developer; order matters — the metol goes in after a small portion of the sulfite.
- 1Pour about 700 ml of distilled water at a temperature of 40–45°C into a container marked at 1 L.
- 2Dissolve a small amount of sodium sulfite (about 10 g), then dissolve the metol, stirring thoroughly and breaking up any lumps.
- 3Once the metol has completely dissolved, add the remaining sodium sulfite.
- 4After it has dissolved, add sodium carbonate, followed by potassium bromide.
- 5Let the solution cool to room temperature, bring the volume up to 1 liter, and filter it.
Key points
- The reduced amount of alkali (a little soda) gives a soft, levelling character and fine grain — a good budget option for roll film.
- Dissolve a pinch of sulfite before the metol: in a strong sulfite solution the metol barely dissolves.