This is Ansel Adams variation on Ansco 130. The Hydroquinone and the bromide is omitted, and the sulfite reduced to 35 grams per liter. Potassium Bromide is added as needed to prevent fog. This adjustment to Ansco 130 gives beautiful print color. If contrast is found to be too low, Hydroquinone solution may be added as required, cooling the image tone. This is a very soft working developer, using metol only, and it gives good print color. In effect it is quite similar to Kodak Selectol-Soft developer. It is usually diluted 1:2 or more with 1½ to 3 minute developing times. It may be used full-strength. Developer 130 produces a strighter line than either Dektol or LPD.
What distinguishes the Ansco 130 formula from any developer that is now commonly available as a prepackaged mix is the chemical agent called glycin. This is a slow working, although powerful developing egent that has a reputation for producing beautiful separation throughout the tonal scale of the print. Some of the formula's early users were quite partial to its results. but its popularity began to fade with the in introduction of prepackaged mixes.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
All chemicals are dangerous and must be treated with respect. Read the
chemical warnings on each package. Only one chemical,
metol, used in mixing Developer 130 needs
special attention. Some individuals become sensitized (develop allergic
symptoms or rashes) when using metol. If
this should happen, discontinue use and consult a physician.
MIXING THE STOCK SOLUTION
You will need a 1 liter storage container and a 1000 ml graduated cylinder
for mixing the stock solution. You may find it convenient to use a
proper-sized mixing bowl to mix the stock solution.
DEVELOPER SOLUTION
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Water (125°F/52°C) | 750 | ml |
| Metol | 2.2 | g |
| Sodium sulfite | 35 | g |
| Sodium carbonate (mono)* | 78 | g |
| Potassium bromide | 5.5 | g |
| Glycin | 11 | g |
| Water to make | 1000 | ml |
*67 g Sodium carbonate (anhy)
Place the warm water in the storage container and add a pinch of sodium sulfite. (A small amount of sodium sulfite will minimize the initial oxidation of the metol. If more is added at this point, the metol will not dissolve). Add the metol to the solution and stir until all of the metol is dissolved. It is important that all of the metol be dissolved before the other chemicals are added. Add the sodium sulfite, stirring until the solid dissolves, Add each chemical in the order given in the table above. Be sure each chemical is completely dissolved before adding the next one to the solution. Finally, add water to the solution to bring its final volume up to size.
LIFE AND CAPACITY OF THE DEVELOPER SOLUTION
The stock solution has a life of more than six months. The working solution
has a tray life of 1-2 months. Developer 130 is slightly colored when first
mixed and the working solution turns quite dark with use. This is normal and
does not indicate the developer is exhausted. Developer 130 has a capacity of
about 50 8x10's per liter of Stock Solution.
HYDROQUINONE SOLUTION
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Water (125°F/52°C) | 750 | ml |
| Sodium sulfite | 25 | g |
| Sodium bisulfite* | 5 | g |
| Hydroquinone | 10 | g |
| Water to make | 1000 | ml |
USAGE
Dilute 1:2 or 1:3 and develop for 1½ to 3 minutes.
NOTES
For a cooler image, try adding a small amount of
benzotriazole instead of, or in
addition to, the bromide. The Blue color may be increased by adding up
to 15 ml of 2% benzotriazole
solution. Print Developer 130 (Adams's Version) without the
Glycin is similar to the MQ Bromide Print
Developer (Kodak D-72).
REFERENCE
130a Paper Developer, The Print, Ansel Adams, p.191
130 Paper Developer, Kit No. 01-0070,
Photographers' Formulary (800-922-5255).
Photo-Lab-Index, Section 15, Supplement 172, p. 46.
Ansco 130 Glycin Paper Developer,
Photographic Processes, Steve Simons, p.37