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

BH #PHLPMKD50L • MFR #01-5060
23 reviews
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Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk Developer for Black & White Film (Liquid)
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Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro Overview

The 50 liter Photographer's Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk FIlm Developer Kit is now in easy to use liquid form.

The PMK formula is designed as a universal developer for a wide variety of modern emulsions used under diverse conditions.

PMK stands for "Pyro-Metol-Kodalk" Kodak has changed the name KODALK to "Balanced Alkali"; this is their proprietary name for sodium metaborate.

The formula is constituted to achieve the best overall results in consideration of the following technical criteria:

  • sharpness,
  • maximum image stain,
  • minimum general stain,
  • edge effects,
  • film speed,
  • flexibility for zone system Plus and Minus development,
  • stability,
  • consistency,
  • convenience of use and long shelf-life.

It comes with one-half liter of stock solution A, and one liter of stock solution B. Ready to mix into working solution.

UPC: 671512150608

Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro Specs

Included Materials
1x Liquid Film Developer (16.9 fl oz / 500 mL)
1x Liquid Film Developer (0.3 gal / 1 L)
Working Solution Volume
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.81 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.2 x 6.65 x 3.9"

Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro Reviews

Consistently a great product

By Seth
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-16

I have been using their products for years and I am always pleased with the results of the products. I like the powder formula's because I can stock up and not worry about the product expiring. There is a trick to mixing the product and strongly recommend you follow the directions supplied.

Best film developer!

By Ted
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-11

Great film developer if not the best film developer on the market!!!

See any errors on this page?

Is this same as pyrocat had

Is this same as pyrocat had
Asked by: Craig
Photographers' Formulary PMK Pyro-Metol Kodalk Developer is not the same as Pyrocat HD.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-12-07

how long do these photo chemicals last? and is ...

how long do these photo chemicals last? and is there an expiration date?
Asked by: Errys
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.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2023-08-20

According to information I found PMK Pyro slows ...

According to information I found PMK Pyro slows film speed. For example, Kodak Tri-X has EI 260. Question is should I treat film as ISO 260 when shoot? Or at box speed?
Asked by: Dmitry
Common approach is to halve the box speed.
Answered by: Iain
Date published: 2024-07-14

If water is used as a stop bath, how many minutes ...

If water is used as a stop bath, how many minutes should it be agitated?
Asked by: seunghee
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
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2021-12-14

Why should I mix 1 liter if my Paterson tank is ...

Why should I mix 1 liter if my Paterson tank is 0.5L ?
Asked by: Dmitry
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.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2021-02-22

question

After manifestation in PMK and fixation TF-4 and washing for 25 minutes, the Tri-x 400 film turned out to be slightly brown. This is normal?
Asked by: Viktor M.
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.
Answered by: JOHN N.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

I am trying to make 1 liter solution to develop two rolls of B&W film in a Paterson tank. The instructions indicate that it is one shot solution of 10ml A + 20mm B + 1 liter water. What does one shot solution mean? Does it mean that the solution should be used only once to develop the film? Thanks much in advance for any help.
Asked by: Jae C.
Hi Jae,One shot means just that: use the developer once and then pour it down the drain. But know that with PMK, you need to put the developer aside after development in order to stain the film after it has been fixed. Then you toss it. And no stop bath, just water.I think that covers most of the quirks of PMK.Good luck!
Answered by: AARON C.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Self teaching myself film development.Is this rapid fixer safe with PMK? Ilford Rapid Fixer (Liquid,1 Liter) I've read all the answers to the first question and they were helpful but in reading at the Photographers Formulary site I'm wondering if I need a different fixer.
Asked by: Peter H.
A non acid fixer is recommended. I use the TF-4 fixer from formulary when developing with PMK. Also no acid stop bath (just use water) or wash aid.
Answered by: DREW K.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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