Crawley's Acutol S (FX15) formula

[pentaxpete]

Here is the formula for Acutol S (FX15) which was a secret for many years-Crawley still keeps Acutol a secret! I have used it diluted 1+1 and 1+3: the original bought powder said to use it undiluted but there was a big scum of dissolved silver on the bottle after use because of the Sodium Sulphite. I have successfully used it 1+3 for outdated (1997)Kodak T-max 400 downrated to 200ASA because of its age,in my Rolleiflex and got good negs and won a prize for a 20x16" print at my club!

[B]Acutol S (FX15) Formula

Metol 3.5 gms
Sodium Sulphite 100.0 gms
Phenidone 0.1 gm
Hydroquinone 2.5 gms
Sodium Bisulphite 0.5 gm
Borax 2.5 gms
Sodium Carbonate 1.0 gm
Potassium Bromide 1.5 gms
Water to 1 litre

Example time @68oF: FP4+ 1+1 7.5 mins 1+3 14.5 mins
outdated Kodak TMY 400 RF @200 ASA 1+3 17 mins
outdated Pan F RF @ 32 ASA 1+3 13 mins
KB14 35mm for copying @ 50 ASA 1+3 10 mins
Fuji Neopan 400 @ 400ASA 1+3 14.5 mins
Ilford SFX 1+1 14 mins
Old Tri-X 35mm 1+1 9.5 mins

[John Plowman]

There is very little difference I understand between Acutol and FX1 available in the Cookbook. The curious odour is Isopropyl Alcohol, added to improve keeping qualities. If you lust after Acutol, settle for Hyfin, which is virtually as good, but the problem is getting hold of Alginic Acid powder form. John. Plowman.

[Stoo Batchelor]

Pete

I just wanted to say a quick thank you for posting this. I have had great success with the Perceptol formula that you posted, and will almost certainly give this a try.

Thank You

Stoo

Originally Posted by pentaxpete

Here is the formula for Acutol S (FX15) which was a secret for many years-Crawley still keeps Acutol a secret! I have used it diluted 1+1 and 1+3: the original bought powder said to use it undiluted but there was a big scum of dissolved silver on the bottle after use because of the Sodium Sulphite. I have successfully used it 1+3 for outdated (1997)Kodak T-max 400 downrated to 200ASA because of its age,in my Rolleiflex and got good negs and won a prize for a 20x16" print at my club!

[B]Acutol S (FX15) Formula

Metol 3.5 gms
Sodium Sulphite 100.0 gms
Phenidone 0.1 gm
Hydroquinone 2.5 gms
Sodium Bisulphite 0.5 gm
Borax 2.5 gms
Sodium Carbonate 1.0 gm
Potassium Bromide 1.5 gms
Water to 1 litre

Example time @68oF: FP4+ 1+1 7.5 mins 1+3 14.5 mins
outdated Kodak TMY 400 RF @200 ASA 1+3 17 mins
outdated Pan F RF @ 32 ASA 1+3 13 mins
KB14 35mm for copying @ 50 ASA 1+3 10 mins
Fuji Neopan 400 @ 400ASA 1+3 14.5 mins
Ilford SFX 1+1 14 mins
Old Tri-X 35mm 1+1 9.5 mins

[pentaxpete]

Stoo : thanks for reading my Formula -- I would mention that on later batches I found I had to increase the development times somewhat-- maybe the Borax alkalie batch was not the same -- but I use Tr-X 35mm now needs 11 minutes 1+1 for fresh film and Fuji Neopan 400 at 1+1 needs 13 minutes -- better do some tests for you own film.
regards< Peter.

[Keith Tapscott.]

Originally Posted by pentaxpete

Stoo : thanks for reading my Formula -- I would mention that on later batches I found I had to increase the development times somewhat-- maybe the Borax alkalie batch was not the same -- but I use Tr-X 35mm now needs 11 minutes 1+1 for fresh film and Fuji Neopan 400 at 1+1 needs 13 minutes -- better do some tests for you own film.
regards< Peter.

I read on one forum by a former Kodak chemist, that Phenidone and Metol can compete against each other and leads to a shortened shelf life. His advice was to use one or the other, but not both together and that such formulas are over-engineered.
Having said that, Tetenal Neofin Blue and Ultrafin Liquid both contain Phenidone, Metol and Hydroquinone all together.