developing for alternative prints

[77seriesiii]

Hi,

I am coming to grips with proper development for contact prints using cyanotype, VDB, salt prints, and albumen...I am using film, still havent settled on a film yet but want to try FP4.

In developing I am currently using pyrocat HD, and for scanning in the negs, it does well. For contact prints also does well. Reading the Salt print thesis (found here) I would like to try Pyro PMK but will I see a difference btwn the two developers as it pertains to contact printing? I know proof is in the pudding and will have to try it anyway, but will I see anything? I am tray developing my negs (wholeplate, 4x5 and 8x10).

For those doing developing for alternative processes, 2:2:100, I think I read in one of Sandy's post that is his baseline for carbon printing.

Thanks

Erick

[Peter Schrager]

do yourself a favor and stick with pyrocat hd or mc...I use the mc and the results for platinum and salt are just superb..
Best, Peter

[Peter Schrager]

Erick-contrary to popular belief I have achieved excellent results with TMY2 and xtol 1;1 with extended development...in the order of around 18 minutes with great results also...prints very well also
Have a nice day
Peter

[77seriesiii]

Peter,

Thank you for the replies. I was coming to the same conclusion. Over the weekend I did a few test negatives with Foma and Kodak films using HD. I used a 2:2:100 at 12 then 15 and then 18 minutes, not enough to nail down development but enough of a test to determine I am on the right track. To be honest I havent shot TMY2 yet, how does it compare to Acros 100 or FP4+? Xtol I've never used. I started with D76 years ago, walked away from developing, then I came back. Using predominantly HD but have Ilford ID11 for unknowns.

Thank you for the help.

Erick