A Classic Soft-Working, Fine Grain Developer
Table of Contents
Master the Craft of Analog Photography On Your Own Schedule
My Analog Photography Video Workshops deliver in-depth, practical instruction you can watch anytime. Whether you’re in the darkroom or out in the field, these workshops are designed to help you grow your analog photography and darkroom skills with clarity and confidence. 👉 Explore the workshops now.
Overview & History
I created the Kodak D-23 Developer Guide because a lot of photographer overlook or forget about D-23 and I think this very simple and classic black and white film developer should be a staple in every darkroom.
Kodak D-23 is a classic black-and-white film developer first introduced in the 1940s. Known for its simplicity and fine grain characteristics, D-23 is composed of only two ingredients: Metol and Sodium Sulfite. Despite its minimalist formula, D-23 is surprisingly versatile, providing excellent tonality, fine grain, and compensating effects in high-contrast scenes.
Often used as a go-to developer for Zone System practitioners and traditionalists, D-23 delivers smooth tonal transitions and subtle contrast. It is especially suitable for photographers seeking full emulsion speed, gentle highlight control, and shadow detail preservation. Steve Anchell, in The Darkroom Cookbook, refers to D-23 as a “soft-working” developer that offers exceptional highlight control, particularly when paired with films like Tri-X, FP4+, and HP5+.
Why Use D-23?
- Two-ingredient formula: Simple to mix and store
- Excellent shelf life: Especially in stock solution form
- Full film speed: Maintains rated ISO with most films
- Soft-working nature: Low contrast, great for taming harsh scenes
- Compensating effect: Handles high-contrast subjects gracefully
- Versatile: Can be used straight or as a first bath in two-bath development
D-23 Formula (from The Darkroom Cookbook)
| Chemical | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Metol (Elon) | 7.5 g | Primary developing agent |
| Sodium Sulfite (anhydrous) | 100 g | Preservative and solvent |
| Water (distilled) | To 1 liter | Solvent |
Mixing Instructions:
- Heat 750 mL of distilled water to 50°C (122°F)
- Add Metol slowly and stir until fully dissolved
- Add Sodium Sulfite and continue stirring
- Top up to 1 liter with room-temperature distilled water
- Cool to room temperature and bottle tightly
Dilution Options & Effects
| Dilution | Contrast | Grain | Sharpness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Low/Medium | Fine | Soft | Best for full tonal scale |
| 1:1 | Slightly more | Slight | Better | Enhances edge sharpness |
| 1:3 | Higher | Slightly | Good | Compensating effect, lower contrast |
Recommended Development Times (20°C / 68°F)
| Film | Stock Time | 1:1 Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-X 400 | 10 min | 13 min |
| T-Max 100 | 10 min | 14 min |
| T-Max 400 | 11 min | 15 min |
| FP4+ 125 | 9.5 min | 13 min |
| HP5+ 400 | 10.5 min | 14 min |
These are starting points. Always test for your workflow.
Two-Bath Development
D-23 is commonly used as the first bath in a two-bath development system:
- Bath A (D-23 stock): Develops shadows and midtones
- Bath B (alkaline solution, e.g., Borax or Sodium Carbonate): Activates highlights
This technique yields extremely compensating results and is ideal for high-contrast scenes or negatives intended for silver gelatin printing.
Agitation Recommendations
- Initial: 30 seconds continuous
- Ongoing: 5 seconds every 30 seconds
D-23’s compensating effect is enhanced with minimal agitation, especially in 1:1 or 1:3 dilutions.
Unlock the Complete Ultimate Guide Series
Go beyond the basics with printable books, reference charts, and in-depth 4K videos.
Start here → timlaytonfineart.com/ULTIMATE
Shelf Life & Storage
| Solution Type | Shelf Life (sealed) |
|---|---|
| Stock | 6–12 months |
| 1:1 Dilution | 1-time use only |
Use amber glass bottles or tightly sealed plastic containers to avoid oxidation.
Ready to take your film photography to the next level? Mastering the art and science of properly scanning and editing your negatives is essential for achieving the best possible results. Whether you’re shooting 35mm, medium format, or large format, a well-executed hybrid workflow can unlock the full tonal range and character of your film. Join me as we dive into proven techniques that preserve the analog soul while delivering beautifully polished images ready for print or screen. For in-depth tutorials, workflow breakdowns, and direct access to my personal guidance, become a member of the Darkroom Diary Premium Membership and start transforming your scans into gallery-worthy prints.
Best Practices
- Use distilled water for best consistency
- Always dissolve Metol before adding Sulfite to avoid chemical fog
- Test development times for your workflow; this developer excels with careful calibration
- Ideal for fine art photography, portraiture, and landscape under high-contrast lighting
External Resources
- The Massive Dev Chart – D-23 Developer Times
Comprehensive development times for nearly every black and white film with D-23 at various dilutions. - Photrio Community: D-23 Developer Discussion
In-depth community discussion on D-23 formulas, modifications, and user experiences. - Historic Kodak D-23 Formula at Unblinking Eye
A detailed breakdown of traditional black-and-white developer formulas including D-23.
Want More?
Unlock the Complete Ultimate Guide Series
Go beyond the basics with printable books, reference charts, and in-depth 4K videos.
Start here → timlaytonfineart.com/ULTIMATE
