Selectol
Selectol (Ansco 120) is the parent formula of Selectol-Soft — a glycin-based paper developer with slightly higher contrast than Selectol-Soft but the same warm-tone character. Original Kodak Selectol was discontinued in the early 2000s along with Selectol-Soft; the formula (Ansco 120 in Ansco's original designation) is mixed from individual chemicals today.
Key features
- Glycin-based paper developer (no Metol, no Hydroquinone)
- Slightly higher contrast than Selectol-Soft (which is the more popular variant for two-tray printing)
- Warm-tone character — like Selectol-Soft and Ansco 130
- Long tray life comparable to Ansco 130 (8+ hours of active use)
- Used at 1:1 working dilution from stock
Workflow
| Paper type | Time at 1:1 |
|---|---|
| Fiber neutral | 90-120 sec |
| Fiber warm | 120-150 sec |
| RC | 60-90 sec |
Two-tray workflow with Selectol + Dektol (or Selectol + Ansco 130) follows the same pattern as Selectol-Soft + Dektol — Selectol opens shadows, second tray adds contrast.
Practical notes
- Choose Selectol over Selectol-Soft when you want less aggressive shadow opening (Selectol-Soft is the deeper soft alternative)
- Mix from individual chemicals; no commercial pre-mix product
- Stock keeps 6 months sealed; partial bottles oxidize within 3 months
- Working solution 1:1 keeps 1-2 hours in covered tray
- PPE: nitrile gloves; glycin is a known sensitizer
Related recipes
- [[recipe-selectol-soft|Selectol-Soft]] — softer variant; the more popular two-tray choice
- [[recipe-ansco-130|Ansco 130]] — full glycin+MQ formula; warmer-tone with normal contrast
- [[recipe-dektol-d-72|Dektol (D-72)]] — neutral-cool two-tray pairing partner
- [[recipe-amidol-paper-dev|Amidol Paper Developer]] — alternative warm-neutral developer
Mixing Instructions
Selectol is typically supplied as a liquid concentrate. Dilute 1:1 with water at 20°C for working solution. If mixing from raw chemicals: dissolve developing agents in water at 40°C in the order listed, stirring each until dissolved before adding the next. Let cool to 20°C. Working solution should be maintained at 20°C in the tray. Discard working solution after the printing session — do not attempt to save used developer.
Ingredients for 1L of Stock Solution
| # | Chemical | Role | Qty (1L) | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metol | Developing Agent | 2.5 | g | (stock) |
| 2 | Sodium Sulfite | Preservative | 37.0 | g | (stock) |
| 3 | Hydroquinone | Developing Agent | 0.5 | g | (stock) |
| 4 | Sodium Carbonate | Accelerator | 25.0 | g | (stock) |
| 5 | Potassium Bromide | Restrainer | 0.5 | g | (stock) |