Testing SPUR Developers With Lomography B&W Films

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Lost in the maze of the laboratory at Lomography HQ, we stumbled upon a developer we had not tested yet, SPUR TRX-2000, and SPUR ACUROL-N, from a small German company. We turned to the internet to find some information about the product, and to check out the technical sheet. We tested two of our black and white films, Lady Grey B&W 35 mm ISO 400 and Potsdam Kino B&W 35 mm ISO 100.

From the producer's website, we found the data sheet reported the developing time for the Potsdam Kino film, of 13 minutes with TRX-2000 and 11 min with ACUROL-N. Lady Grey was not tested by the manufacturer. On the massive development chart there was no specification either for Lady Grey. So, we tested different strips to see to what extent we could push this developer. For the first roll we tested with an average developing time, as well as the suggested time used for the Potsdam.

Lady Grey, TRX-2000, developing time 11 min, inversions twice every 30 seconds. Photos by Elisa Parrino

SPUR TRX2000

Film: Lomography Lady Grey 400 ISO
Developer: SPUR. TRX2000
Dilution: 1:30
Developing time: 11 mins
Temperature: 20°
Agitation: twice every 30 seconds.

Film: Lomography Potsdam Kino 100 ISO
Developer: SPUR TRX2000
Dilution: 1:32
Developing time: 13 mins
Temperature: 20°
Agitation: twice every 2 mins.

Give your film some contrast, and this developer will do the rest. SPUR TRX 2000 and Lady Grey shine together. Our film is designed to illustrate a vast range of grey tones, and this developer will showcase its full extent. Even in challenging situations, such as in snow conditions, with a strong contrast between lights and shadow, this developer helps you deliver great results.

Potsdam TRX-2000, 13 mins developing time , inversions twice every 2 mins. Photos by Elisa Parrino

This is easily one of our favorites to pair with the Potsdam Kino so far. The amount of detail in both highlights and shadows is impressive. You can't help but appreciate the high level of sharpness and, at the same time, the enhancement in contrast. Not only does this development allow you to get impressive results, but it has a generous margin of error. The Potsdam and SPUR TRX 2000 pair proves to be one of the most valuable assets for black-and-white photography.

SPUR TRX 2000 is a new developer that combines the features of a high-speed developer and a push developer […] SPUR TRX 2000 is characterized not only by unusually detailed shadows, even at maximum film speed, but also by tonal values which are otherwise only possible when developing to nominal film speed.

SPUR ACUROL-N

ACUROL-N is their entry-level developer, suitable for beginners, and quite a forgiving solution. For this, we tested two developing times. The recommended time is 11 minutes for Potsdam Kino film, and we ran a 13 minute development with Lady Grey.

SPUR ACUROL-N is optimized to achieve high sharpness and finely graduated tonal values. It responds far more easily to changes in agitation than conventional developers. The contrast of the negatives may be increased by prolonging the developing time and/or more frequent inversion.
Lady Grey Acurol-N, developing time 13 mins, first 30 sec, then 2 every mins. Photos by Elisa Parrino

Film: Lomography Potsdam Kino 100 ISO
Developer: SPUR ACUROL-N
Dilution: 1:60
Developing time: 11 mins
Temperature: 20°
Agitation: Continuous for the first 30 seconds then 1 every min

Film: Lomography Lady Grey 400 ISO
Developer: SPUR Acunol -N
Dilution: 1:32
Developing time: 13 mins
Temperature: 20°
Agitation: First 30 second constant and then twice every min

ACUROL-N, is designed to be the beginner's choice, and it differs greatly in the amount of agitation that needs to be applied. The sharpness is stunning. There are abundant shades of grey tones, yet this formula achieves a level of detail that is any photographer's dream. For both films, this solution was able to intensify all the best qualities in each of them.

The longer time we had given to the Lady Grey does not seems to have dramatically increased our contrast, and we are pleased with this result. We have, however, kept agitation low to avoid too much grain. Overall, we can easily include this developer as a partner for Potsdam and Lady Grey.

Potsdam Acurol-N development time 11 mins first 30 sec, then 1 every min. Photos by Elisa Parrino

Pulling Test

When we developed Lady Grey in our first tests, without specific directions, we had good results. Done in 6 minutes developing time and 8 inversion every minute. We were surely underdeveloped and we applied too many inversions. Nonetheless these negatives still retain a good quality for printing purposes.

Lady Grey Acurol-N, developing time 5.5 mins. Photos by Elisa Parrino

There is an excessive amount of grain, but it can be a matter of personal taste and, as long as you know how you can control the outcome, it is about trial and error until you get the results you want.

Film: Lomography Lady Grey 400 ISO
Developer: SPUR ACUROL-N
Dilution: 1:50
Developing time: 5.5 mins
Temperature: 20°

Film: Lomography Lady Grey 400 ISO
Developer: SPUR TRX2000
Dilution: 1:50
Developing time: 6 mins
Temperature: 20°

Lady Grey TRX-2000, developing time: 6 mins. Photos by Elisa Parrino

However, the film performed quite well. Highlights still have good retention, as well as shadows and mid tones. We are pleased to confirm the great adaptability of this solution, making it suitable for beginners, with its forgiving nature towards possible missteps.


What is your favorite developer for black and white photography? Share yours in the comments below.

written by eparrino on 2023-01-20 #gear #tutorials #black-and-white #development #b-w #spur-acurol-n #spur-trx2000 #lady-grey-iso-400 #potsdam-kino-iso-100

Lomography Potsdam Kino B&W 35 mm

Freeze life's most meaningful moments in gorgeous greyscale with this powerful and poetic cine film.

3 Comments

  1. eparrino
    eparrino ·

    @klawe I'm looking forward to see the results. I have to admit that I have become a new SPUR fan! I like their products very much and I will test the SPUR Nanotech.

  2. eparrino
    eparrino ·

    @klawe Awesome! 😀

  3. polock
    polock ·

    Top notch! Love my kino films and nice to see one I haven't shot in a while featured.

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