Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

A place to talk about photography, the meaning of life and anything that doesn't quite fit elsewhere
Post Reply
Matthew Rolfe
Posts: 44
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 3:35 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by Matthew Rolfe » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:44 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Hi, does anyone know where I can buy Pyrocat HD developer in the UK? I know that Silverprint sell a Pyro developer compound, but I can't seem to find Pyrocat HD anywhere?? Can anyone help?

thanks

Matthew

Mike M
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:12 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Location: Plymouth
Contact:

Re: Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by Mike M » Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:44 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

From what I know Pyro HD isnt available to buy in the UK but it is very easy to make and all the raw chemicals are available from Silverprint.

I use Sandy Kings variation where Propolene Glycol is used instead of distilled water giving it a very long shelf life.
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/ ... hp?t=18006

Patrick Dixon
Forum Hero
Posts: 252
Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:20 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Location: Yate

Re: Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by Patrick Dixon » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:07 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

There are these:-
http://www.monochromephotography.com/se ... 88407.html

which are apparently similar recipes - but I'm definitely no expert.

Mike M
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:12 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Location: Plymouth
Contact:

Re: Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by Mike M » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:52 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Patrick Dixon wrote:There are these:-
http://www.monochromephotography.com/se ... 88407.html

which are apparently similar recipes - but I'm definitely no expert.
All depends on your method of development. I use a Jobo processor which is great but Prescysol exhausts way too quickly with constant agitation but Pyrocat HD was developed specifically with constant agitation in mind.

Matthew Rolfe
Posts: 44
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 3:35 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Re: Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by Matthew Rolfe » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:04 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Thanks for the replies

mathew

Bob Singleton
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:11 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Location: Ribble Valley

Re: Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by Bob Singleton » Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:25 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I use pyrocat HD myself but I just mix it from the chemicals. I got mine from Retro. I used the version with de-ionised water and it seems to keep ok in dark bottles
My blog recording my large format woes is at http://bobsingleton.blogspot.com/

vanman
Forum Hero
Posts: 117
Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:25 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Location: Staffordshire

Re: Pyrocat HD developer in the UK?

Post by vanman » Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:33 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

There seem to be variations on the formula for Pyrocat HD.
I tried it some years ago and "when it was good, it was very very good and when it was bad it was...................". I could never discover what I did wrong when it didn't work very well (streaks), good negs and bad negs from the same batch. I'm pretty careful and in the end I just gave up.
Don't let me put you off trying the formula as I'm in touch with people who swear by it but I've admitted defeat.
Best wishes,
Vanman.

Post Reply