Geoffrey Crawley is present editor of "The British Journal of Photography". In 1960 and 1961 he proposed a group of Black and White Developers Designated "FX Series". Modified to USA chemical availability. Substitute for Acufine.
My experiments indicate that FX-4 is extremely close to Acufine. The results are very similar both in densities and developing times. I normally use D-76 1:1 for my 2¼ negatives, but when I want a speed gain of one stop or a little more, I use FX-4. It works fine diluted 1:1 just like D-76, and is similar enough that the times work out the same for both. The only difference in the results is the one stop speed gain. I am convinced that phenidone does produce a real, legitimate, unpushed, actual gain in effective film speed.
STOCK SOLUTION
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water (48°C/120°F) | 750 | ml |
| Metol | 2.5 | g |
| Hydroquinone | 5 | g |
| Phenidone | 0.25 | g |
| Sodium Sulfite | 100 | g |
| Potassium Bromide Solution | 1 | g |
| Distilled water to make | 1000 | ml |
NOTES
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. FX-4 is similar to
FX-11, and the Single-Solution High-Energy Film Developer (The Darkroom
Cookbook, p.121). D175 Tanning Film Developer (The Darkroom Cookbook, p.121)
uses 2.3g sodium carbonate rather than
sodium sulfite.
REFERENCE
FX-4 Film Developer,
150 Popular Black & White Formulas, Patrick D. Dignan,
Processing Chemicals and Formulas for Black and White, Kodak,
(Ref: Photography, 5th Edition 1956)
FX 4, The Film Developing Cookbook,
Stephen G. Anchell and
Bill Troop, p. 46