Pyrocat HD¶
Pyrocat HD is a semi-compensating, high-definition film developer formulated by Sandy King. It is a pyrogallol-based staining developer, and this site collects its mixing directions, development times, two-bath methods and suppliers in one place.
Pyrocat HD¶
The developer is credited with:
- greater effective film speed
- shorter development times
- consistent staining action
- lower toxicity than many alternatives
- no streaking or mottling at reduced agitation
Users report shorter printing times under UV light sources, and less base-plus-fog density in rotary processors.
Pyrocat MC¶
Pyrocat MC is a high-acutance developer, also by Sandy King, offered as an alternative to other pyrogallol staining developers. It suits rotary, normal, minimal-agitation and stand development. It works slightly faster than Pyrocat HD, produces very low general stain, and has long development times, which suits negatives for alternative printing processes that need high contrast.
Articles¶
- An Introduction to Pyro Staining Developers (Unblinking Eye)
- Pyrocat HD Film Developer (Unblinking Eye)
- Testing Pyrocat HD (Unblinking Eye)
How To Mix¶
- Pyrocat Versions and Mixing Directions
- Preserving Pyrocat, using a wine bottle vacuum pump
- Pyrocat HD in Glycol (PDF, courtesy of Photographer's Formulary)
- Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF, courtesy of Photographer's Formulary)
Development Times¶
- Suggested Development Times for a range of films and temperatures
Online Discussions¶
- Pyrocat HD, Flickr
- Staining Developers: a Conversation with Some Experts, View Camera Magazine
Divided Pyrocat, a 2-Bath Compensating Developer¶
Where To Buy Pyrocat HD¶
- Pyrocat HD from Photographer's Formulary
Make Your Own Pyrocat HD¶
- Photographers' Formulary: bulk chemicals
- Artcraft Chemicals: chemistry supplies
- Digital Truth Technical Data: photographic formulas and chemistry
- Unblinking Eye: articles about alternative processes and formulas
Sandy King¶
Sandy King is a photo historian and landscape photographer who works mainly with large and ultra-large format cameras. He prints with alternative processes including carbon, kallitype and palladium, and wrote The Book of Carbon and Carbro. He holds a PhD in Spanish Language and Literature, taught at Clemson University, and researched the history of photography in Spain. He has published several books on Pictorialism, has recently retired, and lives in Easley, South Carolina.