I’m coming back for more, especially after being pleased with the results I got from the Formulary version of Kodak D-19. Like Formulary, Flic Film’s MQ-19 is a perfect clone of the classic high-contrast, fast-acting developer D-19, and while I am limited by what film stocks can be developed I did manage to find a few more options to run through the developer this time around include a few classic films that I did not include in the first time around. Like any good review, having a second chance with a developer gives a better chance to explore other options and get a better picture on what the developer can do!
Technical Details
Manufacturer: Flic Film
Name: MQ-19
Primary Developer: Metol & Hydroquinone
Type: Reusable/One-Shot
Mix From: Powder
Handling
If you can mix any powder-based developer then mixing up MQ-19 is easy, unlike the formulary version, Flic Film provides a pre-mixed powder rather than the component parts in separate packages. If you’re not used to mixing seperate chemistry together or have experience with mixing raw chemistry, MQ-19 makes life a lot easier. The initial water temperature is hot, around 48C or 125F with a volume of about 750mL, then add in the powder, I use a magnetic stirrer to make life easier. Waiting until the mix is about 90-95% disolved, top up to the final volume with cold water. Make sure to take precautions by wearing gloves, working in a well-ventilated area, and not being toxic; the chemicals are irritants and can be harmful if consumed. Once mixed, the stock solution can be used for up to sixty rolls or diluted 1+1, 1+2, 1+3 and 1+4 for a one-shot solution. While there are some films out there that do have listed times, a good place to start at stock dilution is five minutes with a nine minute start for a 1+1 dilution. Although this does vary depending on the speed of the film. The stock solution will last six months in a fully sealed container. The one thing to watch out for is that the original Kodak-produced D-19 is starting to get old; the powder will last a long time when properly sealed in a foil bag, but watch for any damage to the bag before mixing it up. If you are one to mix up chemistry from scratch, you can find the formula below.
- 500mL distilled water at 48C/125F
- 2.2g Metol
- 96g Sodium Sulfite (Anhydrous)
- 8.8g Hydroquinone
- 48g Sodium Carbonate (Monohydrated)
- 5g Potassium Bromide
- Cold Distilled Water to make up 1L
Applications
Historically the primary use of D-19 was for high-contrast and fast development times, especially when using the stock solution. Popular among press photographers who needed to get the film developed that day, often in less-than-ideal conditions, then wired to their editor for the next morning’s paper. It also found a use for developing black and white IR film, X-Ray films, technical films and photographic dry plates. And still today, all these applications can be found in the photographic world. While true IR films are not avaliable, MQ-19 would make for a good match for near-IR or extended red films like Superpan 200/IR 400, Retro 80s, and Ilford SFX 200. I did want to include SFX in this review, but could not get a roll in 120 in time to complete the task. You can also still get your hands on XRay films prepared for standard photographic purposes, like FPP XRay Film and Washi F. But probably the best application is to boost the contrast in low to medium contrast films, but also to boost in already high-contrast films.
Qualities
The trouble with a fast-acting developer like MQ-19 is that you often have to trade contrast and fine grain for speed. But don’t let that worry you too much, because if you pair the developer with films with low to medium contrast and fine-grain MQ-19 won’t make too much of a splash. I found that with t-grain film, the visible grain is only increased slightly, and the contrast is improved to a more middle ground on low-contrast films. And even films that are naturally high-contrast the contrast isn’t increased by too much to compress the tonal range. But this time I worked with some faster films and films that are noted to have a higher contrast. Including the legendary graphics film, Kodalith, which I have only shot once before but developed in Xtol, and it certainly turned out the near pure B&W look in MQ-19. But the one nice thing about MQ-19 is that there is little to no difference between the stock and dilute mix of the developer in the final results.
Lowdown
MQ-19 is not a general purpose developer and certainly is not for everyone. As I mentioned in my review of Formulary D-19, it is a confusing developer but now that I’ve used it once I came into this review with a better knowlege and made a point to get film stocks that I did not use the first time around, only Delta 100 is the overlap because I couldn’t find one particular roll in time to get this review done. And even still I’m not complete with using D-19 as I do intend to review some dry plates in the future and plan on using D-19 as part of that review. And probably will at that point get some Rollei IR400, SFX, and Superpan into the mix. The one good thing about having FlicFilm MQ-19 in the mix is that it adds another company producing the developer again, it is available through the usual online sources and even in some brick & mortar stores but mainly out in western Canada. If you are looking for something a little different and want to support and excellent Canadian company, then maybe give MQ-19 a shot.
Recommended Reading
Don’t just take my word on MQ-19 check out these other blogs on the subject!
Lost Light Photography – Kodak D-19 Original Recipe