Acufine DevelopersChemistry for Black & White Films and Papers

- Acufine film developer- Diafine two-bath film developer- ACU-1 film developer

Acufine Chemicals701 Corporate Woods ParkwayVernon Hills, IL 60061847-821-5429

ACUFINE DEVELOPERAcufine is a maximum acutance, ultra-fine grainfilm developer combining optimum quality, withhigher than normal effective film speeds. It is amodern developer formulated for modern emul-sions and is outstanding in its ability to fullyexploit the inherent capabilities of any film.Acufine’s higher speed ratings permit the use ofslower films, with superior grain structure andresolution in situations that previously requiredhigh speed films.

Acufine is packaged in single-mix dry powderform, readily soluble in water ( 70° to 90°F ).Although the water in most areas is suitable, werecommend the use of distilled water whereverthe mineral content or alkalinity is high. Thedeveloper may assume a slight coloration,when mixed, which in no way will affect itschemical properties. To minimize oxidation,Acufine should be stored in full, tightly cappedbottles of amber glass or polyethylene. At fre-quent intervals, soak overnight all storage andmixing equipment in a solution of approximatelyone ounce of sodium sulfite per gallon of water,and then rinse thoroughly. Never mix partialcontainer quantities.

The chart on the next page lists the time/temper-ature relationships of the films most commonlyavailable. Noted in the last column, on the farright, are maximum exposure indexes and a sin-gle developing temperature (70°F ) to be utilizedin minimal light situations. The grain, tonal scaleand contrast will be less than optimum for thislisting.

PROCESSINGThe developing times listed on the chart will pro-duce negatives of ideal contrast for printing inmodern condenser enlargers. For cold light anddiffusion enlargers, development may beincreased by 25% to increase contrast.

Agitation: The listed developing times arebased on very gentle agitation for the first 10 sec-onds after immersion, and 5 seconds every 30seconds thereafter. Excessive or vigorous agi-tation is to be avoided. Two inversions of thetank within a 5 second cycle is recommended.

Replenishment: Acufine replenisher should beadded and stirred into the developer after eachbatch of film has been processed. Averagereplenishment is at the rate of 1/2 fluid ounce per80 square inches of film ( one roll of 36 exposure35mm, or 1 roll of 120 or four 4x5 sheet film ).Replenishment can be continued until a volumeequal to the volume of the original developer hasbeen added. Without replenishment, four rollsof film may be developed at normal times.Increase the developing times by 2% for eachadditional roll. Develop no more than 16 rollsper quart in this manner.

EXPOSURE and DEVELOPMENTDevelopment has definite effect on the sensitivityor speed of a film, but since each emulsion dif-fers in its reaction to changes in developing time,no fixed rule can be made. The chart on the nextpage gives the correct exposure index and devel-oping time for negatives of normal contrast (gamma 0.70) and density, which will give excel-lent prints on a normal grade of paper, using acondenser enlarger. As you will note, the indexesgiven in the table are higher than those given bythe film manufactures, but are correct for usewith Acufine, and are not “pushed” developmentratings. You must remember that this table is aguide, and some photographers will wish to makeslight changes in the index or developing time tomeet their own requirements.

Even though the degree of development affectsfilm speed, it is recommended that developingtime be changed only for the purpose of adjustingcontrast. If changes are made only to change thespeed of the film, the contrast of the negativemay not be correct for the subject matter, andgood prints will be difficult or impossible to obtain.

1. LOAD 2. POUR 3. AGITATEGENTLY

4. WATER RINSE 5. FIXVIGOROUSLY

6. WASH & DRY

load reels in total darknesscompletely fill tank with reels

start timer and pouring simultaneously 10 seconds initial agitation5 seconds every 30 seconds thereafter

rapid running water for 30 seconds constant agitationwe recommend rapid fixers

rapid running water for 15 minutes1/2 strength wetting agent - 15 seconds

Maintain Temperatures ±3 Degrees Throughout The Entire Processing Cycle

Acufine film developer

Acufine

ASA Dilute 35mm Roll Sheet Temp °C Temp °F160200200200400500800

16003200

64160250250100200400800125200200320400650800

1600640-800

200400400800

16001600

5080

250320

1600160200650800

100032001000800

5

5.579111316194

2.753.25

3.536546

54.5

6.59.56.53.55

3.254.574

3.554

9

4.5

4.5

7.55

5.55.579111316194

2.753.25

46

5.5

12

3.254.57

4.54

5

4.25

5.55.5

5

5.5

3.254

46

5.5

11

8

4

4

5

212120202020202024212020212020202020202121202120202120202020202120212121212121212121212121

69.869.8686868686868

75.269.86868

69.8686868686868

69.869.868

69.86868

69.86868686868

69.868

69.869.869.869.869.869.869.869.869.869.869.869.8

FilmAPX 100APX 100Delta 100 ProDelta 400 ProDelta 400 ProDelta 400 ProDelta 400 ProDelta 400 ProDelta 400 ProEfke KB25/R25 (KB14/R14)Efke KB50/R50 (KB17/R17)Efke KB100/PL100 (KB21)EktapanFomapan 100Fomapan T200Fomapan 400Fomapan T800FP4+FP4+FP4+FP4+HP5+HP5+HP5+HP5+HP5+Neopan 100ssNeopan 100ssNeopan 400Neopan 400Neopan 400Neopan 1600Pan F+Pan F+Plus-X [PX]Plus-X [PX]Recording FilmTMax 100 [TMX]TMax 100 [TMX]TMax 400TMax 400TMax 400TMax P3200 [TMZ]Tri-X Pan [TX]Tri-X Pan Pro [TXP/TXT]

Acufine film developer

Diafine is usable over a wide temperature rangewith one developing time for all films. Fast, medi-um and slow films can now be developed simul-taneously without adjustment in developing time.All films with exception of a few extremely slowemulsions are automatically developed to normalcontrast. Time and temperature have no practicaleffect if the minimum recommendations areobserved.

Diafine film developer is unsurpassed in its abilityto produce greatest effective film speed, ultra-finegrain, maximum acutance and highest resolution.It is a characteristic of Diafine film developer topermit the widest latitude of exposure without thenecessity of time-temperature compensation.

PREPARATIONDiafine is supplied in dry powder form to maketwo separate solutions ( A & B ). The two pow-ders contained in a carton of Diafine are to beprepared and used separately.

Dissolve the contents of the smaller can ( solu-tion A ) in water ( 75 to 85°F ) to make the vol-ume specified on the carton. Dissolve the con-tents of the larger can to make an equal amountof solution B. Label the storage containers clear-ly. For maximum consistency and stability, werecommend the use of distilled water. As with anphotographic developer, all storage and process-ing equipment must be clean.

In use, the solutions will become discolored and

a slight precipitate may form which in no way willaffect the working properties of Diafine. The pre-cipitate may be removed if desired by filtering.

TIME and TEMPERATUREDiafine may be used within a temperature rangeof 70 to 85°F with a minimum time of 3 minutesin each solution. Increased developing times willhave no practical effect on the results. It is rec-ommended that you do not exceed 5 minutes ineither solution.

DEVELOPING PROCEDURE

1.

2.3.

4.

5.

Optimum results are obtained if all solutions,including the wash, are maintained at the sametemperature. Care must be exercised to preventany amount of Solution B from entering Solution A.

REPLENISHMENTDiafine does not require replenishment. It is anextremely stable formula and has an unusuallylong work life, if normal precautions are takenagainst contamination.

When necessary, the level of the solutions can bemaintained by the addition of fresh Diafine. Addequal amounts of fresh A and B to their respec-tive working solutions. Since the introduction ofdry film into Solution A decreases the volume of Amore rapidly than that of B, some of the B willhave to be discarded before adding the fresh Bsolution.

CONTRAST CONTROLBecause Diafine is a true two-bath developer,each film type is developed to a fixed degree ofcontrast, and changes in the developing timeswill have no practical effect on the final results.The chart listings will produce negatives of nor-mal density and contrast ( gamma 0.65 to 0.75 )at the recommended exposure indexes.

Some control of high contrast subjects is possibleby lowering the exposure index. Because Diafinehas the property of limiting highlight develop-ment, increased exposures result in higher shad-ow densities without highlight “blocking”, thuseffectively extending the tonal range. Diafine canaccommodate as much as a two stop increaseover the recommended indexes, without seriousloss of quality. The increase in contrast in flatsubject matter is not possible with Diafine.

Diafine two-bath film developer

Diafine

ASA 35mm Roll Sheet Temp °C Temp °F200250400200250200640800200640

240080

10040080

160200500640

1250160010001200

3+3

3+3

3+35+53+33+33+3

3+34.5+43+3

3+3

3+33+3

3+3

3+3

3+3

3+33+3

4.5+4

3+3

3+3

3+33+3

3+33+3

3+33+3

3+3

3+3

3+3

3+3

2020202020202020222020202020222020202020202020

6868686868686868

71.66868686868

71.66868686868686868

FilmAPX 100APX 100EktapanFP4+FP4+Fomapan 100HP5+HP5+Neopan 100 AcrosNeopan 400Neopan 1600Pan F+Pan F+Plus-X [PX]TMax 100 [TMX]TMax 100 [TMX]TMax 100 [TMX]TMax 400TMax 400TMax P3200 [TMZ]Tri-X Pan [TX]Tri-X Pan Pro [TXP/TXT]Tri-X Pan Pro [TXP/TXT]

Do Not Pre-Soak FilmsAny type of tank or tray may be used.Immerse film in Solution A for at least 3minutes, agitating very gently for the first 5seconds and for 5 seconds at 1 minute inter-vals. Avoid excessive agitation as this maycause some loss of shadow detail.Drain, but do not rinse.Immerse film in Solution B for at least 3 min-utes, agitating gently for the first 5 secondsand for 5 seconds at 1 minute intervals.Avoid excessive agitation.Drain and rinse in plain water for about 30seconds. ( We do not recommend the use ofan acid stop bath ). Fix, wash and dry in the usual manner.

ACU-1

ASA Dilute 35mm Roll Sheet Temp °C Temp °F200320100100200400800800400800

16002400

5064

125250

16003200160

100012003200640010006500

1+101+101+101+101+101+51+5

1+101+5

1+101+5

1+101+101+101+101+101+101+101+101+101+101+101+101+51+5

1289

105.75

12.755.7514.5

6.5

922271212

18.7522.510

8

89

10.5

5.7512.75

7

95.5

10.25

11.25

149

128

1110.5

9

1212

9

21212121212121212021212121212021242421212121212121

69.869.869.869.869.869.869.869.868

69.869.869.869.869.868

69.875.275.269.869.869.869.869.869.869.8

FilmAPX 100APX 100Delta 100 ProFP4+FP4+HP5+HP5+HP5+Neopan 400Neopan 400Neopan 1600Neopan 1600Pan F+Pan F+Plus-X [125PX]Plus-X [PX]Recording FilmRecording FilmTMax 100 [TMX]TMax 400TMax 400TMax P3200 [TMZ]TMax P3200 [TMZ]Tri-X Pan [TX]Tri-X Pan Pro [TXP/TXT]

ACU-1 film developerACU-1 is a maximum acutance, ultrafine grainfilm developer, combining optimum quality, withgreat effective speed. ACU-1’s higher speed rat-ings permit the use of slower films with superiorresolving power and finer grain in situations thatpreviously required high speed films. ACU-1 is adeveloper designed for those who prefer to workwith a “one-time” use preparation with convenientdilution ratios.

Preparation: Prepare the concentrated “stocksolution” by dissolving completely the full con-tents of the can in 1 quart of water ( 70 to 90°F ).We recommend the use of distilled water wherev-er the mineral content or alkalinity of the tapwater is high. ACU-1 concentrate, either dry or insolution, may assume a slight coloration which inno way will affect its chemical properties.

Storage: ACU-1 “stock solution” will retain its fullstrength for approximately one year if normal pre-cautions are taken against contamination and oxi-dation. All storage and processing equipmentmust be clean. All equipment suspected of con-tamination should be soaked for eight hours in asolution of approximately one ounce of sodiumsulfite per gallon of warm water, and then thor-oughly rinsed. To minimize oxidation, ACU-1should be stored in full, tightly capped amberglass or polyethylene bottles. For infrequent use,we recommend that the concentrate be stored in

several small bottles to assure longer life.

Recommended Exposure Indices: The highspeed ratings listed on the chart are the normalexposures indices for ACU-1. The recommendedexposure/development values are calculated foroptimum quality negatives, and are not the resultof “pushing”. Alteration of these values, variationsof personal technique excepted, will result in neg-atives of less than ACU-1’s best quality.

Developing Times: The listed times for devel-opment will produce negatives of ideal contrastfor printing in modern condenser enlargers. Forcold light and diffusion type enlargers, develop-ment may be increased by 25%. Contrast may bevaried to suit individual requirements by varyingthe development times ±25% from normal.

Developing Procedure: Dilute the concentratewith water as specified on the chart. Two conven-ient dilutions of 1:10 and 1:5 are employed. Donot alter the dilutions. Use the diluted “workingsolution” within four hours after preparation anddiscard after use.

Agitation: The developing times listed on thechart are based on gentle agitation for the first 10seconds after immersion, followed by gentle agi-tation for 5 seconds every 30 seconds thereafter.

The recommended procedure for gentle agitationwith stainless steel tanks is to invert the tanktwice during a 5 second interval. With the type oftank in which agitation is accomplished by rotat-ing reels, turn the reels about a quarter of a turnbackwards and forwards at the rate of 2 suchcycles in a 5 second interval.

Excessive agitation is to be avoided since itresults in greatly increased contrast, with little orno speed gain. Less than recommended agitationpromotes the possibility of irregular development,low contrast, and loss of speed. constant agita-tion cannot be compensated for by decreasingdevelopment.

1:1086cc or 3 oz. ACU-1concentrate balance

water to make 946cc ( 1 quart )

1:5157cc or 5½ oz. ACU-1

concentrate balancewater to make

946cc ( 1 quart )