well - you all know I really like my catechol, BUT .... I'm going to backtrack a bit here. I printed up some old negs the other day for an order . They were delta 100 in ilford perceptol 1:3. THey printed so easily, and there was no grain but everything was really sharp. It got me thinking. I've bought some perceptol and am going to do a few tests - I may have to give up my evangelical pyrocat support for perceptol hugging. I'll post the results in my blog.
I've got to stress though Susan, I dont use pyro - that is nasty noxious stuff, I use pyrocatechol which really is different. It has a similar effect but with much less grain, and is still poisonous, but then again so are virtually all photochemicals. in solution, pyrocatechol doent give of poisonous fumes. It will stain everything you have though - your sink, your graduates, your fingers (if you dangle them in). Buy yourself some from the photographers formulary - they do a ready mixed liquid version and give it a go - it really is no more difficult or easy than any other developer. I reckon you'll notice the difference with your home made lens shots - the highlight control of the catechol stain is quite something.
