CHS100II - 2B-1
This represents a technical comparison between two developers: Karl Matthias' custom designed 2B-1 Divided developer, and PMK Pyro.
This image is from the 120 format Adox CHS 100 II negative developed in 2B-1 for 4 minutes in each bath. The half of the roll developed in 2B-1 had about a stop more density in general than the PMK half of the roll, which was no surprise, as PMK is known for sucking up some of the exposure, and 2B-1 is stated as delivering a speed boost between 1/2 and 1 stop. With a film like Adox CHS 100 II, this can come in handy, since I find it doesn't really offer full box speed without overdeveloping it, something I avoid doing.
2B-1 doesn't handle the grain structure with as much "diplomacy" as the PMK does (again, no surprise), but it does deliver better shadow information. Tonal separation and acutance is excellent. Well worth including in the arsenal of developer recipes, IMO.
CHS100II - 2B-1
This represents a technical comparison between two developers: Karl Matthias' custom designed 2B-1 Divided developer, and PMK Pyro.
This image is from the 120 format Adox CHS 100 II negative developed in 2B-1 for 4 minutes in each bath. The half of the roll developed in 2B-1 had about a stop more density in general than the PMK half of the roll, which was no surprise, as PMK is known for sucking up some of the exposure, and 2B-1 is stated as delivering a speed boost between 1/2 and 1 stop. With a film like Adox CHS 100 II, this can come in handy, since I find it doesn't really offer full box speed without overdeveloping it, something I avoid doing.
2B-1 doesn't handle the grain structure with as much "diplomacy" as the PMK does (again, no surprise), but it does deliver better shadow information. Tonal separation and acutance is excellent. Well worth including in the arsenal of developer recipes, IMO.