Rodinal (R09)

About the Developer

Rodinal is one of the oldest developers in the world (since 1891): a p-aminophenol-based concentrate that is diluted immediately before development. p-Aminophenol has an extremely low fogging capacity, so the developer works without anti-fogging agents even on expired film and is suitable for hot climates. It produces pronounced sharpness and grain, rather than fine-grained smoothness—which is why it is prized for its characteristic “crisp” image. The concentrate retains almost all of its activity over the years: even a partially oxidized solution—the color of “strong tea”—practically does not alter its photographic properties.

Character

A highly stable concentrate with a sharp “acutance” character, pronounced grain, and high microcontrast. In terms of action, it is a sharpness-enhancing developer: the low concentration of the developing agent and alkali in the working solution enhances edge effects, resulting in increased edge sharpness on thin-layer modern emulsions. On highly sensitive, coarse-grained films, however, such developers actually accentuate the grain. It’s good for an artistic, textured, “vintage” look; not the best choice if you need the finest possible grain.

Best films

Ilford FP4+, Pan F+, ADOX CHS 100 II, Fomapan 100/200, Rollei Retro/RPX, ORWO/Svema — for a distinctive vintage look. Be careful with ISO 400 and higher if you don’t want coarse grain.

How to Use

1. 1Measure out the required amount of concentrate—for example, 12 mL per 600 mL of water for a 1:50 dilution.
2. 2Prepare the solution immediately before use—the working solution cannot be stored.
3. 3Pour it into the tank at 20°C.
4. 4Stimulation: continuously for the first minute, then 5–10 seconds every minute.
5. 5Drain the developer, rinse, fix the film, and rinse it thoroughly.

Development times for different films

Time is the starting point, according to film manufacturers. Dilution has a greater effect on contrast and grain than time: the weaker the dilution (for example, 1:10–1:20), the higher the contrast and the shorter the development time; the stronger the dilution (1:100–1:200), the softer the gradation—with a proportional increase in development time.