Darkroom prints with your own developer — Beers Developer

Contrast is not just a filter question

When making darkroom prints, contrast is usually controlled with multigrade filters. It works. But there is another way — older, more precise and far more satisfying: controlling contrast through the developer.

Beers Developer is a two-part formula, designed by Dr. Roland F. Beers, that produces seven different contrast grades by varying the ratio of parts A and B. Grade #1 gives the lowest contrast; grade #7, the highest. The same chemistry, completely different results.

In this workshop we mix the formula from scratch and use it immediately at the enlarger. No theory — direct practice with comparable results.

How the session is structured

First part — Mixing the developer

We prepare solutions A and B following the original formula. We work with distilled water at controlled temperature, adding components in the correct sequence: metol, sodium sulphite, sodium carbonate, potassium bromide for part A; sodium sulphite, sodium carbonate, hydroquinone and potassium bromide for part B.

Once both parts are ready, we calculate the dilutions to obtain at least three contrast grades for the enlarger session.

Second part — Printing at the enlarger

We work with each participant’s own negatives. We make a standard test strip to establish the base exposure, then make comparative prints with Beers at three different contrast grades — typically #2, #4 and #6.

Comparing the three prints side by side on the light box is the best way to understand how chemistry affects the result: shadows, highlights, paper texture.

Key contents

• The Beers formula: components, function of each and mixing sequence
• Volume calculations for working solution (divide by 16, multiply by parts)
• The seven contrast grades: A+B+Water dilution table
• Test strips with Beers: how to read them differently from commercial developers
• Comparative prints at three contrast grades
• Reading the results: shadows, midtones and highlights with each dilution

What’s included

• All chemical components to mix parts A and B
• RC multigrade photographic paper (6–8 sheets per participant)
• Use of the enlarger and darkroom
• A small amount of prepared Beers Developer to take home

What to bring

• Your own developed 35mm or medium format negatives (essential)

Not included

• Additional paper (+€2/sheet RC, +€4/sheet fibre)
• Chemical components to mix Beers at home (available from Químics Dalmau, Barcelona)

Never made darkroom prints before? Start with the Darkroom Printing workshop. Never developed film? B&W Development or Experimental Developers are your starting point.