FX-1, originally formulated by Geoffrey W. Crawley, is designed to produce negatives with maximum acutance or sharpness. The negatives will have a long tonal scale and are exceptionally easy to print. The print impact is impressive and often seems to have an "engraving-like" effect because of the high acutance of the negative. To achieve these effects the formula is designed to have a chemical mechanism which deliberately enhances edge contrast and provokes adjacency effects. FX-1 produces negatives with slightly more grain than D-76 does. The grain is not very apparent because of the extreme detail contained in the negative. Grain can kept to a minimum by careful exposure and processing. FX-1 increases film speed by one F-stop. A superior negative can be obtained by using a slow film developed in FX-1 than can be obtained by using a fast film developed in a fine grain developer.
A note of caution -- Developer FX-1 enhances both resolution and poor photographic techniques. Be sure to use a first class modern multicoated lens, high shutter speeds, a tripod, and accurate exposures.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Some individuals become sensitized when using
metol. If this should happen, discontinue use and consult a physician.
MIXING THE STOCK SOLUTIONS
You will need two 1 liter bottles, one of which should be brown and a
wide-mouth 1 liter container. Stock Solution A should be made with water that
has been boiled for 3 minutes then cooled to about 90°F/32°C, or distilled
water heated to approximately 90°F/32°C.
STOCK SOLUTION A
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 900 | ml |
| Metol | 5 | g |
| Sodium Sulfite (anhy) | 50 | g |
| Potassium Iodide Solution, 0.001% | 50 | ml |
| Distilled water to make | 1000 | ml |
Place 900 ml of water in the mixing container and add a pinch of the sodium sulfite. This small amount of sulfite minimizes the initial oxidation of the metol. If more sulfite is added at this point the metol will not dissolve. Add the metol to the solution and stir the solution to dissolve the metol. Add the sodium sulfite and again stir until dissolved. Next add 50 ml of the potassium iodide solution, 0.001%. Stir the stock solution, then finally add sufficient water to bring the total volume in the container up to 1000 ml. Stir the solution to ensure it is mixed thoroughly. Transfer the Stock Solution A to the brown bottle.
STOCK SOLUTION B
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Water (90°F/32°C) | 900 | ml |
| Sodium Carbonate (anhy) | 25 | g |
| Water to make | 1000 | ml |
Add the water to the storage container followed by the carbonate. Cap and shake the container to dissolve the solid then add water to bring the total volume to 1000 ml.
SHELF LIFE
The shelf life of Stock Solution A is one year in a full tightly capped
bottle, but considerably less in a half full bottle. For long term storage
it is best to keep the solution in several full small bottles. The shelf
life of Solution A can also be improved by adding 50 ml of isopropyl alcohol
just prior to the final dilution to 1000 ml. This addition will also decrease
development time and the amount of agitation that should be used. The shelf
life of Stock Solution B is also a year. However the solution is alkaline and
upon extended storage will etch the glass of the container. If an extended
storage time is anticipated it is best to store Solution B in a plastic bottle.
USING THE DEVELOPER
Film Exposure: film developed in FX-1 will have an El approximately twice
that of the manufacturers recommended ASA. You will need careful testing to
determine your exact EI.
MIXING THE WORKING SOLUTIONS
All solutions should be at 68°F/20°C. The working solution is prepared
with 1 part of Stock A, 1 part of Stock B and 8 parts of water. The
working solution must be used immediately after mixing, and can be used
only once.
WORKING SOLUTION
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Solution A | 100 | ml |
| Stock Solution B | 100 | ml |
| Water | 800 | ml |
DEVELOPMENT
Careful testing should be carried out to determine your exact development
time for your film. Recommended times range from 12-16 minutes. Do not over
agitate when developing FX-1. Best results are obtained using 5 inversions
or 6-8 spiral twists per minute with tanks up to 300 ml capacity or 10-12
spiral twists per minute with larger tanks. To exaggerate edge effects agitate
every other minute and increase development time by about one third. Follow
your normal development procedure: develop, stop, fix, wash, clear and wash.
NOTES
To make 0.001% solution of Potassium
Iodide, add 1 gram to 1 liter of water. Take 100 ml of this solution and
dilute to 1 liter. Again take 100 ml of this solution and dilute to 1 liter.
This will give you a 0.001% solution of
Potassium Iodide. (This is equal to 1 mg per 100 ml). Mr. Crawley claims
the Iodide's action is to enhance adjacency effects which also accentuates
lens aberrations, flare and camera movement. Highest resolution and
definition with FX-1 will be obtained on Kodak Panatomic-X. Successful use
of high acutance developers requires the thinnest
practical negative consistent with printing on normal contrast paper.
Over-exposure will result in coarse grain and lower
acutance.
Mr. Crawley claims the Iodide's action is to enhance adjacency effects which also accentuates lens abberations, flare and camera movement. Highest resolution and definition using FX-1 will be obtained using Panatomic-X.
VARIATION
Use ½ the sodium carbonate with an
equal amount of potassium carbonate in
place of the sodium carbonate.
REFERENCE
FX-1 High Acutance Film Developer, Kit No. 01-0080,
Photographers' Formulary (800-922-5255).
150 Popular B&W Formulas, Patrick D. Dignan.
FX 1, The Film Developing Cookbook,
Stephen G. Anchell and
Bill Troop, p. 59 & 126.
Bill Troop, p. 59, 60 & 127.
Crawley's FX 1,
The Darkroom Cookbook, Second Edition,
Stephen G. Anchell, p.161.