Metol(Elon) Developing Agent is used as a developing agent, usually with hydroquinone, but sometimes by itself as in Kodak D-23.

Although metol is easily soluble in water, it is not soluble in a strong sodium sulfite-solution. It does dissolve readily in a weak solution of sulfite. Metol bulds image detail rapidly, and it keeps well in solution.

Metol has low-fogging tendencies and responds well to the addition of bromide, giving a very clean-working developer without any staining of film or fingers.

The energy of the developer is only slightly affected by low temperature and is only slightly reduced by the addition of bromide.

Metol alone with either sodium or potassium carbonates give a rapid working developer when the alkalies are in high concentration, but the speed of the development can easily be controlled by dilution.

The use of caustic alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide) is not recommended with metol as there is a tendency to excessive fog. When used with sulfite alone, without additional alkali (Kodak D-230, metol provides a slow-working, fine-grain developer. This type of film developer often works well with a mild alkali, such as borax, which accelerates the rate of development without increasing the grain size appreciably (Kodak D-25).

Developers containing metol as the sole developing agent are not widely used but metol with hydroquinone provides the most widely used developer combination.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Hello, my fixer has arrived but is a milky white liquid. Normally fixer is clear - is this fixer white and opaque?

A: Yes the Photographers' Formulary TF-4 Archival Rapid Fixer in concentrate is milky. Make sure when you mix it you stir very well before and after you add water to it. It will mix and be less milky.

Q: 2. How long does this last after you open it or mix it. I read that its 1 week. while others last 3 months?

A: The shelf life difference depends on whether it is from-the-store-stock solution or the mixed working solution. According to the manufacturer "The stock solution which has a shelf life of 1 year is diluted 1:3 to make the working solution. The working solution has a shelf life of 6 months."

Q: 3. Not so much a question as a bit of information, I saw in reviews that some one had said to mix this 1 part chem to 3 parts water this is not correct. It seems be misleading and 1:3 actually represents the fraction 1/3 a whole of 3 parts with 1 part chem and 2 parts water. Just wanted to clarify this to all.

A: Jeremy, the product comes in a 1 liter bottle and instructions say mix 1:3 to make 4 liters. From the original manufacturers website: The stock solution which has a shelf life of 1 year is diluted 1:3 to make the working solution. The working solution has a shelf life of 6 months.03-0141 Ships as 1 liter to make 4 liters

Q: 4. I today received 1L of this fixer from B & Xbut instead of experiencing joy, I am greatly distressed.At the bottom of the bottle there is a lot of sediment, which is impossible to dissolve.Is this a non-suitable solution?Can I use this solution for my film?

A: Yes it is hard to dissolve. But it will dissolve eventually. Just try to get it all out. I use this with many dozens of rolls with great results. Very gooed fixer.

Q: 5. Hi! Can you fly with this can?

A: I dont think so. it's a under pressure product which not allow to carry to fly.

Q: 6. How long will this stay in the air after spraying?

A: Depends on the size of the area, air flow and the desired density. For a thick fog barely a second or two. For a thin haze a bit longer.

Q: 7. How to I dispose of the working solution?

A: Although it is best to take photo chemicals to a facility where they can be properly disposed of, most normal chemicals used in processing are no worse than household cleaners that are normally put down our drains. (Bleach, 409, etc.) So use reason and common sense: if you process 200 rolls at a time, dispose of the chemicals properly. If you are doing 3-4 rolls every week or so, you shouldn't worry and pouring them down the sink is fine.

Q: 8. Hi, if I'm processing two rolls of 35mm films at a time, Is it better to prepare 500ml of this (125 ml fixer to 375 ml water) each time? Or to mix the whole bottle into a gallon at the beginning? In the latter case, would I pour the used content back into the gallon bottle after I'm done? Or do I discard it? Do I need to keep the gallon bottle full if I discard the used content? Thank you!

A: I only mix 1 liter at a time of TF4 as this will cover even dual processing of 120 rolls. I then pour it all back in the liter jar. I don't do quite enough film now to mix 1G at a time. TF4 is excellent on BW film. 6 min removes virtually all the magenta from Tri-X. I use it for all my BW stocks.

Q: 9. About how many photos does one can last?

A: The Atmosphere Aerosol Haze Spray for Photographers & Filmmakers is for a scene. And it depends on how large the scent/space is. One 8 ounce can will spray continuously for approximately 5 minutes 30 seconds. In a controlled environment with no wind or air flow, one can will linger in the air for hours.

Q: 10. Is there any risk that this product will accumulate on camera or lens?

A: This is a oil based haze.