Do I really need to do another D-76 clone review? The answer is yes, yes I do. So during the end of production of Kodak chemicals by Sino Promise the fine folks at Adox Photo went out and purchased the rights to some of the names of Kodak chemicals, including D-76 (although you can still get Kodak D-76 now produced in the USA) as part of their efforts to ensure that the supply of these chemicals continue. And so in 2023 Adox D-76 hit the market, the one thing that sets Adox’s version apart is that it has a longer shelf life thanks to a change in the formulation. For the sake of clarity I’ll be reffering to this developer at AD-76 throughout this review.
Technical Details
Manufacturer: Adox Photo
Name: D-76 ECO
Primary Developer: Metol/Hydroquinone
Type: Reusable/One-Shot
Mix From: Powder
Handling
AD-76, like other versions of D-76, begins as a powder that you mix with water to form a stock solution. Adox’s version uses a slightly different formula, which has some improvements over the original. Their Captura technology minimises the amount of particulate that enters the air, allowing for easier and faster mixing and can be done at a lower initial temperature. Adox recommends starting with 700mL of distilled water at 29°C, then adding the single powder mix, allowing it to dissolve to approximately 90% before topping up to the full 1 L of the final working solution (increase the initial volume to about 3700mL for the 5 L kit). The one thing that Adox warns against is that the powder has a listed shelf life of two years, provided that the pouch remains intact. Also, if the powder has a brown colouration, it is bad and should not be used. My first pouch did have that brown colour, and I was able to obtain a couple of clean pouches. I used a magnetic stirrer, and it worked perfectly; the powder mixed quickly and without issue. Once mixed, store the stock solution in a sealed opaque bottle in a cool, dry location. Because Adox removed the borates from the new formula, the stock solution has a shelf life of about one year in a fully sealed bottle and a capacity of ten rolls of 35mm/120 film. A half-full bottle carries a shelf life of about three months. When developing, you can reuse the stock solution, but once you start diluting it, the developer becomes one-shot, use and dispose. D-76 ECO does contain both Metol and Hydroquinone. Do not dispose of the powder or the fresh stock solution directly into any water sources; the powder can also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Proper disposal of the fresh solution must be done at a local hazardous disposal station.
Applications
Like all other D-76 clones, AD-76 offers an alternative to Kodak and are readily available to the European market. Adox began to produce their version D-76 as part of its strategy to ensure the availability of classic developers from multiple sources, thereby minimising the impact on supply chains. AD-76 , however, offers up something that all other clones do not. AD-76 is a suitable option for those who go longer between sessions and prefer not to have to purchase multiple pouches, as the Adox version offers a longer shelf life than similar developers, thanks to the removal of borates. Other than that, D-76 is an excellent fit for someone starting in their home development journey, as it offers an easy and economical option. D-76 ECO works with films across the board, from fast to slow, traditional to modern grain structure. And in a pinch, it can even be used to develop photographic paper in photographic and darkroom applications. It doesn’t always do anything too fancy, but it simply works. You can also use it for limited push/pull development with about a stop and a half in either direction for the best results.
Qualities
Despite being slightly different from the standard D-76, AD-76 delivers the same qualities that you would expect from the classic D-76. Overall, AD-76 provides excellent results and tonality across the board, regardless of the film stock or speed range. Offering up full box speed and results in line with what you should expect from a baseline. In stock dilution, it delivers a decent level of grain reduction in faster films, providing a classic look and feel. If you need to amp up the sharpness, you can start diluting with a moderate balance at 1+1, and often deliver sharp results with an increase in visible grain when diluted 1+3. And you’ll get almost no change in tonality and contrast when you start to dilute the developer, yielding a similar result to stock. When used for push/pull developing applications, you may notice some middling of the contrast, but nothing too serious. In these cases, you will see a slight increase or decrease in contrast.
Lowdown
Adox D-76 Classic, offers up the same features as any clone of D-76 and the original and is far more shelf stable, and Adox has sorted out the brown powder problem with earlier versions. Like anything, your choice of which developer you use is up to you and the availability. I love that Adox is working hard to ensure that there is freedom of choice when it comes to which version of D-76 you use. And also by going with Adox, you can help a medium-sized business keep the lights on, the doors open, and film and developers hit the market. Sadly, in North America, getting my hands on Adox products is difficult, as there isn’t a local supplier, and for some reason, I’m doing my best to avoid American retailers. However, I can order directly from Fotoimpex; it just takes a bit of time to get the stuff over the ocean and into my hands.
Recommended Reading
Don’t just take my word on Adox D-76 check out these other blogs on the subject!
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