Rodinal (R09)
Maximum sharpness and a near-unlimited concentrate shelf life.
About this developer
Rodinal is one of the oldest developers in the world (since 1891): a para-aminophenol concentrate diluted right before use. It produces pronounced sharpness and grain rather than fine-grain smoothness — prized for its distinctive "gritty" look. The concentrate barely loses activity over years.
How to use it
- 1Measure the concentrate needed — e.g. 12 ml into 600 ml water for 1:50.
- 2Dilute right before use — the working solution doesn't keep.
- 3Pour into the tank at 20°C.
- 4Agitation: continuous for the first minute, then 5–10 sec every minute.
- 5Pour out, rinse, fix the film, and do a final wash.
Development times by film
| Film | Dilution | Time @ 20°C |
|---|---|---|
| Ilford HP5+ 400 | 1:25 | 6–8 min |
| Ilford HP5+ 400 | 1:50 | 11 min |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | 1:50 | ≈13 min |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | 1:25 | ≈7 min |
Times are manufacturer starting points. Dilution affects contrast and grain more than time does.