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Ilford Multigrade Developer (500ml)

BH #ILMGD500ML • MFR #1918555
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Ilford Multigrade Developer (500ml)
Key Features
  • Liquid Concentrate
  • Yields a Neutral Image
  • Normal Dilution is 1+9
Ilford Multigrade Developer is a liquid concentrate print developer suitable for dish or tray developing of all black and white photographic papers such as resin coated (RC) and traditional fiber based (FB). It is a dimezones/hydroquinone derivative. As opposed to Ilford PQ developer which generates a warm tone, this developer is characterized by a neutral tone. 

Multigrade developer is a rapid working developer usually used at a dilution of 1+9 but for greater development control and economy it can be used at 1+14. Multigrade developer is clean working and features excellent keeping properties. 

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Ilford Multigrade Overview

Ilford Multigrade Developer is a liquid concentrate print developer suitable for dish or tray developing of all black and white photographic papers such as resin coated (RC) and traditional fiber based (FB). It is a dimezones/hydroquinone derivative. As opposed to Ilford PQ developer which generates a warm tone, this developer is characterized by a neutral tone. 

Multigrade developer is a rapid working developer usually used at a dilution of 1+9 but for greater development control and economy it can be used at 1+14. Multigrade developer is clean working and features excellent keeping properties. 

It should be noted that Ilford recommends that gloves, eye protection, apron or overall be worn when handling and mixing all chemicals.

Note:
PQ Universal is NOT recommended for processing general purpose 35mm and roll film formats or for high temperature or machine processing applications
Usually used at a dilution of 1+9 but for greater development control and economy it can be used at 1+14
Multigrade developer is designed for use at ambient room temperatures: 20°C/68°F
UPC: 019498918551

Ilford Multigrade Specs

Included Materials
1x Liquid Paper Developer (16.9 fl oz / 500 mL)
Working Solution Volume
1.3 to 2 gal / 5 to 7.5 L
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.46 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.75 x 2.85 x 2.15"

Ilford Multigrade Reviews

Great product

By Don
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-18

Ilford Multi-Grade Developer is our go to choice for our public darkroom: Quality product.

A reliable classic

By Justin
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-01-13

Ilford Multigrade Developer has again become a staple in my darkroom after the discontinuation of Liquidol. It’s easy to mix, predictable, and gives me rich blacks and clean highlights every time. I love how consistent my prints turn out with it.

See any errors on this page?

Can I develop films with this?

Can I develop films with this?
Asked by: Safwan
Yes, depending on the film. The other answers below are accurate, but I use it for tray development of ortho films (specifically, Fuji UM-MA x-ray mammography film), with similar timings to paper. I don't use it for regular pan film stock--my go to is Ilfosol 3, which has lovely results with ILFORD FP4+ and HP5+.
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2022-09-22

Will this work with graded paper (not multi grade ...

Will this work with graded paper (not multi grade or poly contrast papers)?
Asked by: Melissa
Yes this fixer can work with graded papers.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2021-05-01

How many papers can you develop with one tray of ...

How many papers can you develop with one tray of the solution?
Asked by: Reen
The manufacture does not list how many prints you can get from Ilford Multigrade Developer (500ml). It depends on what dilution you use, size of trays and print size.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-12-28

Will this developer produce warm tones with ...

Will this developer produce warm tones with Ilford warmtone papers?
Asked by: Markus
Ilford Multigrade Developer (500ml) is a neutral developer that will not add any warmth to the tones of the print; Ilford PQ Universal Paper Developer (500ml) will give you warmer tones.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2023-02-13

How long will the chemical last if I start using ...

How long will the chemical last if I start using it?
Asked by: Safwan
Once mixed, the Multigrade Developer will last 6 months in a sealed container.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2021-07-26

How long will this chemical last before expiring?

How long will this chemical last before expiring?
Asked by: Safwan
There is no posted date on the bottle, only a batch number. However, according to Ilford: "Full unopened bottles of MULTIGRADE and PQ UNIVERSAL developer concentrates stored in cool conditions, 5–20ºC, (41–68ºF), will keep for 2 years. Once opened use the concentrate completely within six months and keep all bottles tightly sealed until used. Working strength MULTIGRADE developer, PQ UNIVERSAL and BROMOPHEN left in an open dish should not be kept for more than one working day. If stored in a tightly capped bottle they may last up to 24 hours."
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-07-27

will this work with kodak polycontrast iii?

will this work with kodak polycontrast iii?
Asked by: Brett
Yes, it similar to Dektol.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-07-02

Can I reuse the developer after mixing with ...

Can I reuse the developer after mixing with water?
Asked by: Safwan
Since you can mix the developer using the 1:14 dilution, I don't use it beyond a 24 hr period. It is not worth struggling to make a good print with a weakened or exhausted developer. I try to use the entire 500 ml bottle within a few weeks before it becomes oxidized.
Answered by: Phil
Date published: 2021-07-23
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