Kodak T-8 for Sepia Toning (Polysulfide Toner)

[Rlibersky]

The following single solution toning bath is recommended for use on all Kodak papers except Kodalure, Kodabromide, and Royalbromide. It produces slightly darker sepia tones than the redevelopment-sulfide toner, T-7a, and has the advantage, compared to the Hypo alum toners, that it tone at a much shorter time and does not require heating although raising the temperature to 100F reduces the time of toning from 15to 3 minutes.

Immerse the well washed black and white print for 15 to 30 minutes and agitate in the Kodak T-8 bath at 68F (20C) or for 3 to 4 minutes at 100F (38C).

Approximate life of toning bath is about 150 8x10 prints or equivalent. Per gallon. When the bath begins to be cloudy, the life can be extended by the add of the same quantity of carbonate as in the formula.

After toning if any sediment appears on the print, the surface should be wiped with a soft sponge and the print then washed for at least 30 minutes before drying.

[Ryuji]

Those papers are excluded most likely because those papers do not show noticeable change in the hue. The same toner can be successfully used for image permanence purposes.

When using this toner, it is recommended to transfer the toned print directly into a sulfite washing aid solution, like KCHA or Clearwash. This greatly reduces the risk of stain and sediment, and it also allows more precise control of the color by preventing excessive after toning.

The image tends to darken and increase contrast like selenium toners, especially if you don't tone until the image becomes lighter brown. However, this darkening usually take overnight. Therefore, it is recommended to print slightly lighter than you want.

[Jim Noel]

Now all we need is a source for Polysulfide. What is the chemical name?

[Rlibersky]

I bought some from Photo Formulary. Not to expensive.

[Ole]

The trade name for potassium polysulfide is not "Liver of Soda", it's "Liver of Sulfur".

[Rlibersky]

Ole, thanks for the correction.

After toning some print here is what I found. Multigrade no change. Agfa MC nice dark brown. Cykora A light Redish Brown.
Smell is not as strong as the Sulfide redeveloper.

[Nicholas Lindan]

Originally Posted by Jim Noel

Now all we need is a source for Polysulfide.

You can also find liver of sulfur in art supply and craft/hobby/jewelry maker stores, used for putting patina on metals.

[Rolleiflexible]

Does this toner offer the archival properties
of other polysulfide toners? I ask only
because the original post distinguishes it
from "redevelopment-sulfide toners."

RFXB

[Ian Grant]

Yes it does offer better archival properties.

Redevelopment Sulphide toners offer a far greater degree of toning, and as a result produce far browner, sepia images.

Ian