FOMADON Excel W27 1L – Powerful B&W Film Developer Powder

Introduction

FOMADON Excel W27 1L is a high-quality, two-component powder developer specially designed for manual processing of black and white negative films. Manufactured by Foma Bohemia, a respected name in analog photography since 1921, this developer ensures excellent image quality with fine grain, high sharpness, and optimal tonal range. Its slightly alkaline formulation supports extended tonal development while maintaining a reliable and consistent process suitable for a wide variety of black and white films.

What is FOMADON Excel W27 1L?

FOMADON Excel W27 1L is a powdered black and white film developer made up of two components that, when mixed, produce 1 liter of ready-to-use working solution. The slightly alkaline nature of the formula helps in maximizing film speed utilization while minimizing fog, ensuring crisp negatives that are rich in detail.

Unlike many liquid developers, FOMADON Excel W27 1L offers the benefit of long shelf life in powder form. This is particularly useful for photographers who may not be developing film frequently but still want a developer that remains stable and effective over time.

Key Features of FOMADON Excel W27 1L

• Two-component powder formulation
• Produces 1 liter of working developer
• Slightly alkaline pH for balanced contrast and detail
• Ideal for tank or tray development
• Excellent fine grain and sharpness
• High archival quality results
• Designed for all types of B&W negative films
• Prolonged chemical stability before and after mixing

Why Choose FOMADON Excel W27 1L?

FOMADON Excel W27 1L is designed for film photographers who want predictable, professional results. Its fine grain and excellent acutance (sharpness) make it ideal for prints that require clarity and detail, whether scanned digitally or enlarged in a darkroom.

Another reason to choose FOMADON Excel W27 1L is its cost-effectiveness. As a powder product, it can be stored for long periods before mixing, reducing waste. Once prepared, the working solution is effective for multiple rolls when stored properly. Its compatibility with multiple types of black and white films adds to its value.

Compatibility and Film Types

This developer works beautifully with most modern black and white film stocks, including:

• Fomapan 100, 200, and 400
• Kodak Tri-X 400
• Ilford FP4 Plus and HP5 Plus
• Kentmere 100 and 400
• Rollei Retro 80s and 400s

Each film may require a slightly different development time, which can be found in official data sheets or via resources like Digital Truth’s Film Development Chart.

How to Use FOMADON Excel W27 1L

1. Mix the contents of both powder components into 1 liter of water at approximately 20°C.
2. Stir until fully dissolved.
3. Load your film into a developing tank or tray in complete darkness.
4. Pour the working solution into the tank and agitate as per standard cycles.
5. Typical development time ranges from 6 to 10 minutes depending on film type and ISO.
6. Follow with stop bath, fixer, and wash cycles.

For beginners, Ilford’s First Film Processing Guide is a helpful resource.

Storage Tips

Before mixing, store the powder in a cool, dry place. Once mixed, keep the developer in an airtight, light-tight container to minimize oxidation. The working solution should be used within a few days to ensure the best results.

Who Should Use This Developer?

FOMADON Excel W27 1L is ideal for:

• Home darkroom users
• Photography schools and students
• Analog photography labs
• Fine art photographers
• Film photographers who scan their negatives

Its consistent performance, ease of mixing, and excellent image results make it suitable for anyone from beginners to professionals.

Comparisons

When compared to other developers such as Kodak D-76 or Ilford ID-11, FOMADON Excel W27 1L stands out for its fine grain output and excellent sharpness. Its performance rivals well-known brands while offering longer shelf life and affordability.

Internal Link Suggestions

• Fomapan 100 Classic 35mm Film – 36 Exposures
• Fomapan 400 120 Medium Format Film
• Ilford Rapid Fixer 500ml
• Darkroom Film Processing Equipment

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a film developer that delivers sharp, clean, and high-quality black and white negatives with fine grain and reliable contrast, FOMADON Excel W27 1L is an excellent choice. Its two-part powder formula is easy to store, mix, and use. Whether you’re developing your first roll or building your own home darkroom, this developer offers professional results at an affordable price.

FAQs for FOMADON Excel W27 1L

1. What type of negatives does FOMADON Excel W27 1L produce?

FOMADON Excel W27 1L produces fine grain, high-sharpness negatives with excellent tonal separation. It is ideal for photographers who want detailed, clean results suitable for both darkroom printing and digital scanning.

2. How much developer solution can be prepared from one pack?

One package of FOMADON Excel W27 creates 1 liter of ready-to-use working developer, enough for multiple rolls of black and white film depending on storage and usage.

3. What films are compatible with FOMADON Excel W27 1L?

This developer works with almost all black & white films, including:

• Fomapan 100 / 200 / 400
• Kodak Tri-X 400
• Ilford FP4 Plus / HP5 Plus
• Kentmere 100 / 400
• Rollei Retro 80s / 400s
  It offers consistent, reliable results across both classic and modern emulsions.

4. What is the recommended development time for FOMADON Excel W27?

Development typically ranges between 6–10 minutes at 20°C, depending on the film brand, ISO, and contrast preference. Refer to film data sheets or Digital Truth for exact times.

5. How do I mix the two components of FOMADON Excel W27 1L?

Add both powder components to 1 liter of water at approx. 20°C, then stir until fully dissolved. Always mix components in the order recommended on the packaging to ensure proper activation and consistency.

6. How long does the mixed working solution last?

After mixing, the working solution remains effective for a few days if stored in an airtight, light-tight bottle. To maintain quality, minimize air contact and use the solution as soon as possible.

7. Is FOMADON Excel W27 suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its predictable results, easy mixing, and stable performance make FOMADON Excel W27 1L an excellent choice for students, home darkroom users, and beginners, while still offering the fine-grain quality professionals expect.

8. How does FOMADON Excel W27 compare to developers like Kodak D-76 or Ilford ID-11?

FOMADON Excel W27 offers similar fine grain and tonal depth but often provides slightly higher sharpness due to its formulation. It also has the advantage of longer shelf life in powder form and competitive pricing.