Kodak D-23 Film Developer
A fine grain compensating developer that yields slightly lower effective film speed than D-76.
Recipe
Mix chemicals in the listed order. Make sure each chemical is completely dissolved before mixing the next one. Mix a pinch of the sodium sulfite before mixing the metol. Use distilled or deionized water for improved keeping properties. The stock solution may be diluted with tap water at the time of development.
Developer
| Chemical | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water (50 °C) | 750 ml |
| Metol | 7.5 g |
| Sodium sulfite (anhydrous) | 100 g |
| Water to make | 1000 ml |
Replenisher DK-25R
| Chemical | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water (50 °C) | 750 ml |
| Metol | 10 g |
| Sodium sulfite (anhydrous) | 100 g |
| Sodium metaborate (Kodalk)1 | 20 g |
| Water to make | 1000 ml |
Usage
Starting development time is 8:00 at 20 °C with the stock solution. Can be diluted 1+1 for increased sharpness with longer development times.
In a replenishement regime, develop 3 films per liter of D23 before starting replenishment. Replenish each developed film with 22 ml of replenisher. One liter of D23 can be used for 30 films before being discarded. Carry over 1/4 of the D23 solution when starting over with a new one liter batch.
Comments
The king of mid-tones. Highlights may look dull, traded for the well defined mid-tones. May look soft in smaller formats, diluting 1+1 helps some. Expect a 2/3 stop lower film speed.
Footnotes:
Can be replaced with 14 g borax and 3 g sodium hydroxide.