Photographic Chemicals

Antec, Inc. has it all for the professional and recreational photographer. We have a wide selection of photographic chemicals in any amount. We specialize in alternate methods of photography.

Be sure to try our desensitizer, D-Tec, our monobath developer, Monotec and our replenisher for hand processing, Antec R-9.

D-Tec

D-Tec is a photographic desensitizer that can be used as forbath to reduce or eliminate panchromatic sensitivity to light. Films can be viewed during development to inspect the image as it develops. It does not stain the film and is compatible with most developers, although it works best with developers that are low in sulfite. High sulfite developers such as D-76 or D-23 are less efficient than developers like FG-7, Rodinal or HC-110. Any panchromatic or infrared sensitive films may be treated.

D-Tec is available as a concentrated solution that is diluted 1:100 and used as a presoak for 2 minutes prior to development. No rinsing is required before development. Stop, fix and wash as usual. In some cases, film speeds may be slightly increased. D-Tec is not fully compatible with Pyro developers and may produce some fogging.

The chemicals used in D-Tec are synthetic dyes and may stain the hands or fingers and may cause mild irritation for some users. The use of rubber gloves is recommended. If splashed in the eyes or body, simply rinse with cool water.

For more information, see an article in Darkroom and Creative Camera Techniques by Dr. Kevin Pernicano in March-April of 1995. Developing by Inspection in Bright Light or contact Antec, Inc.

Monotec

Monotec is a Monobath developer for black and white films (Excerpted from Monobath article accepted for publication by Darkroom Techniques, 1999). All monobaths contain at a minimum developing agents, silver halide solvents and an alkali. Most formulae also contain anti-foggants and antioxidants; some may contain hardening agents or other buffers. The most important property of the developing agents is their ability to initiate the developing process immediately upon contact with the emulsion. Silver solvents increase silver density by physical development, where soluble silver is reduced and re-deposited on the already developing silver image. Monobaths build image density proportional both to the exposure and the extent to which the image develops. The end result is an image that does not have blocked highlights, has adequate shadow density, but also has full midrange tones that print well. The alkali provides an environment whereby the developing agents can reach their maximum reduction potential and be at their highest activity level. The “pH window” needs to allow the developing agents work quickly so that the latent image is developed before it can dissolve. Anti-foggant concentration, although the concentrations in monobath developers may be 2 to 5 times the levels used in traditional developers. Traditional monobaths for films have used combinations of anti-foggants, but with many modern films, no additional anti-foggants may be necessary. Antioxidants reduce the side effects typical with most developing agents and other ingredients including emulsion hardeners, sequestering agents to reduce scum and wetting agents. Many modern films have been sufficiently hardened during manufacture and no additional hardening agents may be needed.

Processing Films

As you have probably ascertained, monobath processing consists of a competition between the developer’s ability to bring up an image of sufficient density and the fixer’s ability to clear the undeveloped silver salts. There are also competing factors such as the process of physical development, mentioned earlier, and other factors such as alkalinity that influence base fog formation. Practically speaking, most monobath formulas do produce some loss in emulsion speed from 1 to 4 stops, depending on the film. However, if properly formulated, a monobath can produce a negative of quality equal to conventional developers and in some cases, possibly superior to conventional development if mid-tones are considered important. In addition, the time saved and convenience of processing may make up for the loss of speed. Finally, additives to a presoak may boost the effective exposure index back to the manufacturer’s EI. Exposure indices can be raised about 1 stop if the film is presoaked for 1 minute in a 1% solution of Sodium Perborate instead of a water presoak. Film is developed after presoaking without rinsing. (If you cannot find Sodium Perborate, this presoak can be made by diluting a 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide with 2 parts water then adding enough Kodalk (Sodium Meta-borate) by weight to make a 1% solution). Incidentally, this presoak will also boost film speeds with conventional development as well.

Longevity of Mixed Monotec Chemistry

Longevity tests indicate that unused developer can be stored for up to 6 months with no deterioration and spent developer can be stored for up to 3 months if air is evacuated from the container. One liter of developer will process 6 rolls of 36 – exposure film (500 square inches) before DMAX falls at least one stop.

Antec R-9 Bleach

Need R-9 bleach for reversal processing of black and white motion picture films like Kodak Tri-X, and Plus-X? Don’t want to handle or store dangerous concentrations of Sulfuric Acid or Potassium Dichromate? Let Antec, Inc mix it and make sure it is the correct pH.