This formula is a universal developer for all projection and contact papers. It gives black tones with excellent brilliance and detail. Agfa 130 provides unusual latitude in development and is clean-working even with long developing times.
| Hot Water (125F/52C) | 750 ml |
| Metol | 2.2 grams |
| Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous) | 50 grams |
| Hydroquinone | 11 grams |
| Sodium Carbonate | 78 grams |
| Potassium Bromide | 5.5 grams |
| Glycin | 11 grams |
| Water to make | 1 liter |
This is one of my favorite paper developers. It produces very similar, but not identical, results as Amidol.
The prepared stock solution is clear but slightly colored. The coloration in this case does not indicate the developer has deteriorated or is unfit for use.
For film – dilute 1 part stock solution to 5 parts water. Develop at 72F for about 7-1/2 minutes.
For paper –
For use, dilute 1 part stock solution with 1 part water. Normal developing time at 70F (21C) for Brovira and Portrait Enlargins 2 to 6 minutes, for Indiatone, Convira and Porfessional Cyko 1.5 to 3 minutes. (Sadly, all of these papers are long gone.) Greater contrast can be obtained by using the developer stock solution full strength. Softer results can be obtained by dilution a 1 part stock solution with 2 parts water. Some folks suggest using at 72F as Glycin likes warmer temperatures.
Ansel Adams says to use full strength for maximum contrast. He calls it a brilliant, cool-toned developer.
He developed a variation for use with paper – omit the Hydroquinone and the bromide, and reduce the sulfite to 35 grams. Add bromide as needed to prevent fog. He says the formula gives a beautiful print color. If the contrast is too low, he says to add the following as needed:
| Water | 750 ml |
| Sodium Sulfite (desiccated) | 25 grams |
| Hydroquinone | 10 grams |
| Water to make | 1 liter |
Adams says the Metol-Glycin variation gives a very fine, neutral tone.
