Well, I'm finally getting the hang of creating a thumbnail image while i'm scanning my prints and have been able to go back and make thumbs from images already on file. It's too bad that I have to make the main images smaller so they'll fit in here as the images lose a lot in quality. Cynlee, thanks for the welcome and hug, Michele thank you too and let me know about your darkroom chemistry. Remember, if you're not sure about the date, dump it. Better to have to mix a new batch then lose a good roll of negatives. Dektol for prints seems to last forever and even when depleted, all you lose is a sheet. You can use it for some B&W negs if you want a high grain. Just extend your time.

How small are you making your images Richard? I usually go for a size of about 740X520 for the main image here, works ok for me. Right now I'm using Kodak D76 for developer. I like fine-grain, so not sure I would want to try the Dektol on my negatives. The thought is frightning to me.. ;~) Remember I'm only beginning so I'm only doing the basics right now, and trying to get a grip on basic printing techniques, with my enlarger. PS.... glad you came to the forum... A big welcome!

D76 is an excellent basic developer and will give good grain results. HC110 is also an excellent developer and allows for serveral different working solutions which can be made from the stock solution. the working solutions vary depending on the film type making 110 very versatile. As for dektol, if you have any questions about this or any other chemicals or films let me know. I keep an extensive library on all chemical, films and papers and kodak sends me stuff all the time to keep it current. try exposing a test strip, just shoot anything that moves, doesnt move or is in your line of sight and run it through the dektol. it will require a stronger solution then normal and extend your time, but given the subject, you might like the results. One thing I learned during my years of "manual" photography, I always look at what i'm going to shoot, decide what film to load and how i'm going to develope it (chemistry, time etc...)before I take the shot. talk to you later