D76 is coming up to 80 years old, being originally devised as a motion picture negative developer, but is still the yardstick fine grain developer compatible with all conventional BW films. It will probably be around as long as silver film exists! Although still a good workhorse it is probably true to say that it is no longer the optimum in exploiting the maximum speed and sharpness of which modern films are capable, hence the advent of Kodaks HC110, Tmax and Xtol developers. D76 contains a high concentration of sulphite, and the slight solvent action of this allows a certain degree of physical development to take place, leading to a softening of grain. The sulphite also operates as a buffer.
The formula below is the 'classic' formula using metol: the current Kodak brand is reformulated using a 'designer' modified form of metol, which allows packaging to a single powder, although this must be mixed quite hot. Ilford ID11 is a direct equivalent, using metol in a 2 part packaging.
Kodak D-76 Developer - available as a Kodak packaged developer in the USA gallon (3.8l.) size.
An extremely popular film developer. It gives full emulsion speed together with excellent shadow detail and normal contrast.
Diluting the solution 1+1 with water will improve image sharpness with a slight increase in granularity.
The developer is also commonly used for forced development of under-exposed negatives.
To make a stock solution
- Water at about 50°C(122°F) 750ml
- Metol developing agent 2.0 grams
- Sodium sulphite (anhydrous) 100.0 grams
- Hydroquinone 5.0 grams
- Borax 2.0 grams
- Water, to make 1.0 litre
- The solution may be replenished using Kodak D-76 Replenisher.
- If the tank solution is diluted 1+1 the replenisher must also be diluted 1+1.
Kodak D-76R Replenisher
- Water, at about 50°C(122°F) 750 ml
- Metol developing agent 3.0 grams
- Sodium sulphite (anhydrous) 100.0 grams
- Hydroquinone 7.5 grams
- Borax 20.0 grams
- Water to make 1.0 litre
Use the replenisher to top-up the tank solution. Discard the tank solution when replenisher has been added equal to 25% of the original volume.