Could an RA4 developer use ascorbates?

Hi Processing gurus,

Could a home brew formula that uses iso-ascorbic acid (possibly with salicylic acid) so as to

eliminate the smelly and toxic N, N' Diethylhydroxylamine? I saw a formula for a C41 film

developer using Ascorbic acid, but have found no paper developer recipe.

What ballpark concentration would be effective as an antioxidant? I have a bottle of Sodium

iso-ascorbate...

Steven;

Any reducing agent such as ascorbic acid or other developing agent acts as a competing developer for silver which forms no dye. Therefore, adding AA to either the RA or C41 developers will reduce contrast and dmax. Not good.

Hydroxyl amine sulfate is Ok. Why don't you try that? Just readjust the pH.

Ron Mowrey

So I would substitute Hydroxylamine sulfate on an equimolar basis with N,N'

diethylhydroxylamine, then add less carbonate to adjust pH?

Steve;

Yes and no. I think that the Diethyl Hydroxylamine Oxalate used would have a pH effect different than the HAS would but I would not guess as to how much more or less carbonate to add.

There is also a sensitometric effect as HAS is more of a silver halide solvent than DHA, IIRC.

Ron Mowrey