ILFORD Microphen is a fine grain developer recommended for obtaining the maximum film speed with films that can be push-processed. It is optimized for use at the faster end of the exposure range. Grain size is reduced and grain clumping is prevented because of the low alkalinity of the developer.

The majority of developers that give an increase in film speed usually produce a corresponding increase in grain size. Microphen, however, has been specially formulated to overcome this disadvantage and therefore has a high speed-to-grain ratio. That is, there is a speed increase while giving the type of grain associated with a standard developer. A speed increase can be achieved with many films and meter settings up to EI 3200/36 can be used with ILFORD HP5 Plus film.

Microphen is supplied as a powder and shows exceptional consistency in performance throughout its working life. It is made up of a stock solution for normal tank and tray use and can be further diluted 1+1 or 1+3 for users who prefer to use fresh solution each time.

For Normal Tank or Tray Use

Development time in tanks (68°F/20°C) for Ilford Delta 100 35mm film: Stock solution = 7 min. Diluted 1+1 = 10 min. Diluted 1+3 = 15.5 min.

For Ilford Delta 400 35mm film (at 400 exposure): Stock solution = 7 min. Diluted 1+1 = 10.5 min. Diluted 1+3 = 18 min.

One liter of working strength stock solution (not diluted) will process 10 rolls of 35mm/120 film. Diluted 1+1 it will process up to 5 rolls of 35/120 film.

Storage time for Unopened full bottle ID-11 Stock solution is 6 months . For half full bottles of stock solution storage time is 1 month. If stock is diluted it can only be used as a "one-shot" developer and should not be stored.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. If using Ilford fixer, which doesn't contain hypo, on film and prints, why use a hypo eliminator?

A: Rapid Fixers are ammonium thiosulphate, and contains no sodium thiosulphate (hypo). They do however work the same and after fixing, the unused silver and the chemical has to be washed away. The only time you have a benefit from using a washing aid is when printing on fiber based papers where the paper backing fibers absorb the chemical salts and need lengthy wash times to remove.

Q: 2. What about an unopened bottle? If stored indoors, climate controlled, what is the shelf life?

A: The shelf life of an unopened bottle is approximately 1 year.

Q: 3. What is the suggested time for ilford 125 film with intermittent agitation?

A: An average of 3 minutes

Q: 4. What is the dilution ratio from concentrate when developing 100 Tmax and 400 Tmax? Also what is a standard development time?

A: Click the link below to view the Kodak product sheet showing dilution and dev tiems; https://imaging.kodakalaris.com/sites/uat/files/wysiwyg/pro/chemistry/j24.pdf

Q: 5. Will it work with both c41 black and white film rolls and regular black and white rolls ?

A: DF96 is a black and white film developer only. If you own C-41 B&W film by Kodak those films will need to be processed with C-41 which is a color developer.

Q: 6. Is there a visible difference when used on Ilford RC MG IV ?

A: In the absence of testing reports we would suggest the best way to determine the effect of this developer on that paper would be accomplished by personal testing in your darkroom.

Q: 7. Do you need to use wetting agent after you finish developing?

A: While not absolutely required, it is likely the best solution (pun unintended) to avoid streaks after developing.

Q: 8. How does this compare to the original HC110, are the dilutions from concentrate the same?

A: The dilution is not exactly the same as the original. The best thing is to do a test run or two to hone in on the best mix, time and temp for the film you are using.

Q: 9. What is shelf life of unopened package of ID-11 powder? Thanks.

A: If it stays perfectly dry it will last for years. It begins to oxidize after it mixes with water and is then exposed to air light and heat.

Q: 10. What's the size of this package? What's the weight? Because will travel by air!

A: The package for Ilford ID-11 Film Developer Powder for Black & White Film (Makes 5L) is approximately 1.3 lbs. The dimensions being 8.39 x 5.51 x 2.36 inches.