Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk Developer for Black & White Film (Powder)

Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk Developer is not the same as Pyrocat HD.

According to the manufacturer, the shelf life on the Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk Developer for Black & White Film (Liquid) in the stock solution is indefinite and even partially filled bottles that are tightly closed will last for years.

Common approach is to halve the box speed.

Photographers' Formulary does not list a time for how long one should use water as a stop bath after using the Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk Developer for Black & White Film (Liquid) - Makes 50 Liters. They say: "A plain water stop bath is excellent for all normal films and developers. Use a large volume of water and agitate roll and sheet film continuously." You can find more information on their tech sheet here. https://stores.photoformulary.com/content/01-5060.pdf

According to the instructions for the , they state a working solution of PMK is One (1) Part "A" + Two (2) Parts "B" + 100 Parts of Water. You may mix any amount as long as the ratio remains the same. As an example, 10 mL A + 20 mL B + 1,000 mL of water will make approximately one liter of working solution. As such, if you only want 0.5 L of working solution, you would cut the above in half, which would be 5 mL A + 10 mL B + 500 mL of water.

Yes. The pyro developing agent (the P in PMK) produces a stain. This stain density varies depending upon several factors. My experience is with Ilford films in PMK. I have been using this for over 15 years. It is a great developer that prevents high value blocking. The age of the film has a strong influence over how much staining occurs. A great resource is Gordon Hutchins book on PMK.

Yes, one shot means it is used only once. At this dilution it is pretty much exhausted in one development. Remember to save it initially to use as a bath after the fixer to reinforce the staining. You can dump it after that. And don't use hypo-clear or perma-wash as it will remove some of the stain, and you want that for VC printing. Just wash for 20 minutes. One other note: Make sure to mix with distilled water. Good luck!

Pyrogallic acid developers such as Photographers Formulary PMK produce a stain on the negative which enhances the image. Ordinary fixers, which are acid, will reduce this stain so you need to use Photographers Formulary TF4 Archival Fix, which is alkaline. After fixing, the film should be immersed in the developer for 2 minutes which will enhance the stain. (Always wear gloves when working with pyro.)