Weston, Brett amidol formula

Edward (top) and Brett Weston s Amidol formulae as given to Richard C. Miller. The handwriting is Richard s. 

All three of the famous Westons—Edward, Brett, and Cole—used amidol paper-developing formulae. All three were famous for their rich blacks and full-scale print tones. All three used different amidol formulae. There is some confusion as to the formula each one used, and more than one has surfaced for Brett and Edward. It may be possible that they used different formulae during the course of their long careers. 

BB solution was a proprietary liquid restrainer marketed by DuPont, once a leader in the manufacture of film and paper. When added to a developer it will create cooler tones on enlarging paper. It was reputedly used by Edward Weston in his amidol formula. According to Dody Thompson, Edward s former assistant and Brett s second wife, Edward may have tried it at one time but did not use it as he preferred warm tone images. Brett, on the other hand, preferred cooler tones and may well have used BB while it was available. 

In any event, there is one similarity to all three of the Weston formulae. One clue as to how they achieved the quality for which they were famous. All three formulae use as much or more Amidol than other published formula. Indeed, Brett used to say he liked to use twice as much Amidol than called for in published formulae. He would throw in a healthy handful and if his blacks weren t rich enough he would throw in more. Perhaps this is the secret to usingAmidol the rest of us have missed More is better. 

All three of the famous Weston s—Edward, Brett, and Cole—used amidol paper developer formulae. Each had his own variation. All four of the following formulae are used undiluted and should be followed by running water or a citric acid stop bath. 

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