Speed Major from SPUR is a developer who combines the characteristics of a high-speed developer (high speed developers can get the maximum sensitivity from every film) and a push developer (push developers can make higher contrasts). It is practically a high-speed developer with very high contrast potential. Therefore, very high sensitivities can be achieved with a processing temperature of 20°C.
SPUR Speed Major eliminates all problems that occur with normal developers when pushing, namely:
- too low basic sensitivity, resulting in high contrast, poor tonal values and lack of detail in the shadows
- too rough grain
- too high base fog (especially bad when scanning)
Use SPUR SLD or Speed Major？
Speed Major can get higher sensitivity out of classic films like TriX, HP5+ and FP4+. The grain is also finer. At box speed the grain is finer and the grey tones are a bit nicer with SLD. SLD is also better suited for tabular grain films like Ilford Delta and Kodak Tmax.
For Ilford Delta 3200 we do not recommend Speed Major. Base fog is too high and contrast too low.
Because films developed in Speed Major can be exposed at high sensitivity (base sensitivity), best tonal values, detailed shadows, fine grain and low base fog can be achieved.
The sensitivities achievable with SPUR Speed-Major are generally higher (about half a stop) than with the use of SPUR SLD.
The various sensitivities are generated by changing the dilution, the development time, and the agitating rhythm. This also leads to relatively short development times, which do not exceed 15 minutes, even at the highest achievable sensitivities.
250 ml
