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Medium Format and Coffee

docholliday

Well-known member
just wondering, anyone using coffee to develop film? If yes, please show some results.
I used to run some Caffenol back in the late 90s when I had a pile of way expired Panatomic-X. Mixed my batch out of Taster's Choice Crystals, sodium carbonate, and ascorbic acid. Negs resulted in fairly contrasty prints, so printed on Agfa paper in split development of LPD and Selectol-Soft, then selenium toned the paper.

The negs are buried somewhere in a box. One of these days, I'll have to find them and do some scans.
 

dave.gt

Well-known member
just wondering, anyone using coffee to develop film? If yes, please show some results.
Funny you should ask at this particular time. :)

I have been wanting to use caffeinol developer for a long time but just haven't found the time.

I will be looking for replies to inspire me!:)
 

dave.gt

Well-known member
Yes, I need at least two cups before going into the darkroom...

Oh, you mean use coffee to develop film in? ;)

(Your English is perfect, I just need a cup of coffee.)
Coffee has two primary uses in photography.

1. It is the officially recognized focusing fluid of photographers. Without it, we aren't that sharp and rely on photoshop too much.

2. It is the main ingredient in caffeinol. Without it, our world would be diminished somewhat as we would not see some remarkable images on photography websites.

Mix the two, and I am certain creativity will result!
 

buildbot

Well-known member
I recently picked up a mamiya afd and hm401 back just to play around with caffenol myself! And possibly try seeing if I can’t wrangle it to work with the XF somehow haha…
 

Shashin

Well-known member
Coffee has two primary uses in photography.

1. It is the officially recognized focusing fluid of photographers. Without it, we aren't that sharp and rely on photoshop too much.

2. It is the main ingredient in caffeinol. Without it, our world would be diminished somewhat as we would not see some remarkable images on photography websites.

Mix the two, and I am certain creativity will result!
Just don't confuse the Caffienol with the coffee! Either for the film or yourself!! You just don't know what you could develop or whether it can be fixed...(no pun intended)
 

MartinN

Well-known member
I had so much good tea in my cupboard, so when working from home I skipped going to the shop for those beans that disappear faster than fast in the grinder. I have now ejoyed my selection of tea for about half a year and this beverage keeps me satisfied during the work hours.
 
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dave.gt

Well-known member
I had so much good tea in my cupboard, so when working from home I skipped going to the shop for those beans that disappear faster than fast in the grinder. I have now ejoyed my selection of tea for about half a year and this beverage keeps me satisfied during the work hours.
Anyone tried Tea for developer?:)
 

MartinN

Well-known member
Anyone tried Tea for developer?:)
Probably not strong enough, but I am a bit concerned of using caffeinated beverages as focusing fluids. Nobody getting shaky hands ? I heard top musicians are not allowed caffeine before playing. ;)
 

dave.gt

Well-known member
Ah, caffeinated fluids for impressionistic photographs. So, that is what I'm doing wrong....LOL.

Who needs expensive fast lenses then?
 

dave.gt

Well-known member
George,
Just checking in before calling it a day. That is a nice photo... and it looks just like my desk!!!:):):)

Now I can't wait for morning and a cup of coffee myself! LOL...
 

MartinN

Well-known member
Coffee machines and equipment need strong cleaners indeed, but be sure to wash away the detergent residues very carefully, otherwise some unexpected may result !
 
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