Ilford ILFOTEC DDX Developer - 1L

ILFORD ILFOTEC DD-X is an excellent fine grain developer which gives full film speed. Correctly ex...

Best current price£30.50from Wex Photo Video

All Offers

4 offers from £30.50 - £48.18

View price history by clicking the chart icon.

Wex Photo VideoIlford DD-X Liquid Concentrate Film Developer 1L Black & White Fine Grain
£3.99 delivery
£30.50
Visit shop
eBayIlford Ilfotec DD-X Film Developer 1L
Free delivery in 1–3 days
£38.95
Visit shop
AmazonIlford Ilfotec DD-X Black and White Film Developer 1 Litre
Free delivery in 1–3 days
£48.18
Visit shop

Product Information

Full details

Ilford ILFOTEC DD-X is a fine-grain, liquid concentrate black and white film developer designed for photographers seeking full film speed and excellent tonal range. It is particularly recommended for Ilford Delta professional films, producing negatives that are easy to print with depth in shadows, smooth mid-tones, and bright highlights. While it offers a superb balance of grain, sharpness, and tone, users should be aware that reusing the developer may slightly reduce image quality.

All features

BrandIlford

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What is the typical dilution for Ilford ILFOTEC DD-X?

The most common dilution for one-shot use is 1:4 (one part DD-X concentrate to four parts water). For economy, it can be reused, but image quality might be slightly reduced.

Can I use DD-X with color films?

No, Ilford ILFOTEC DD-X is specifically a black and white film developer and should only be used with black and white photographic films.

What temperature should I use with DD-X?

The standard development temperature for ILFOTEC DD-X is 20°C (68°F). Always use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature control.

How long does the diluted developer last?

Diluted developer is best used immediately. If stored, use within 24 hours, but be aware that its performance may be slightly diminished. Concentrated DD-X should be stored tightly sealed in a cool, dark place.

Is DD-X suitable for push processing?

Yes, DD-X is well-suited for push processing and can help maintain good shadow detail and tonal range even when film speed is increased.

How many rolls of film can I develop with a 1-liter bottle of DD-X concentrate?

This depends on the dilution and tank size. For a 1:4 dilution and using a standard 35mm Paterson tank (requiring approximately 300-350ml of diluted developer per roll), a 1-liter bottle of concentrate can develop roughly 7-8 rolls of 35mm film.

Can I reuse the developer?

Yes, ILFOTEC DD-X can be reused, especially in larger volumes like deep tanks. However, each subsequent use will slightly reduce its activity, potentially requiring adjustments to development time. For critical work, one-shot use is recommended.

Troubleshooting

Negatives appear underdeveloped (thin, low contrast)

Ensure the developer was mixed at the correct dilution and temperature. Verify that the development time was adequate for the film and dilution used. Check that the developer was fresh and not expired.

Excessive grain in the final image

While DD-X is a fine-grain developer, very aggressive agitation or overdevelopment can increase grain. Ensure proper agitation technique and development time. Consider using a finer-grain film if grain is still an issue.

Uneven development or streaks on the negative

This is often caused by insufficient agitation or poor mixing of the developer. Ensure consistent and adequate agitation throughout the development process. Double-check that the developer was thoroughly mixed before use.

Developer stains on hands or equipment

Wear protective gloves and use a chemical-resistant apron when handling photographic chemicals. Clean up any spills immediately with water.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent fine grain characteristics for sharp enlargements.
  • Maintains full film speed, maximizing image detail.
  • Provides a wide and smooth tonal range for rich images.
  • Negatives are easy to print, simplifying the darkroom workflow.
  • Convenient liquid concentrate format.
  • Works well with Ilford Delta films and other black and white films.

Cons

  • Reusing the developer can lead to a slight reduction in image quality.
  • Can be more expensive than some general-purpose developers.
  • Requires accurate dilution and temperature control for optimal results.

Setup, Compatibility & Care Instructions

Setup:

ILFORD ILFOTEC DD-X is a liquid concentrate and typically requires dilution before use. The most common dilution for one-shot development is 1:4 (developer:water). Always use clean, distilled, or de-ionized water for mixing to avoid extraneous contaminants.

  1. Determine the total volume of developer needed for your processing tank.
  2. Calculate the amount of DD-X concentrate and water required based on your chosen dilution (e.g., for a 1:4 dilution, use 1 part DD-X to 4 parts water).
  3. Pour the calculated amount of water into your mixing vessel first, then add the DD-X concentrate.
  4. Gently stir to ensure thorough mixing.
  5. Bring the diluted developer to the required temperature (typically 20°C / 68°F), using a thermometer.

Compatibility:

  • Films: Optimized for Ilford Delta Professional films (e.g., Delta 100, Delta 400, Delta 3200). It is also an excellent developer for other black and white films, including Ilford FP4 PLUS, HP5 PLUS, and Pan F PLUS.
  • Processing Equipment: Compatible with standard photographic processing equipment such as spiral tanks, individual film developing tanks, dish/tray processing, and rotary processors.

Care and Storage:

  • Store the concentrate in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place. Avoid freezing.
  • The diluted developer is best used immediately. If storage is necessary, use within 24 hours, but be aware that image quality may be affected.
  • After use, the diluted developer should be disposed of responsibly according to local regulations. Do not pour down drains without proper dilution or treatment if required.
  • Clean all processing equipment thoroughly after use to prevent contamination.

Similar items

Price History

DatePrice
Visit shop