FOMATOL LQN 250ml – Powerful Liquid B/W Paper Developer

Introduction:

Darkroom photographers who seek consistency, reliability, and excellent print quality understand the importance of a dependable paper developer. FOMATOL LQN 250ml is a specially formulated liquid concentrate black and white paper developer created by Foma Bohemia — a trusted name in analog photography since 1921.

Designed for normal-working development, this developer is ideal for both manual tray processing and automatic developing machines. Its precise chemical balance and flexible dilution options make it a perfect match for all types of B&W photographic printing papers, whether you’re working with resin-coated (RC) or fiber-based (FB) varieties.

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What is FOMATOL LQN 250ml?

FOMATOL LQN 250ml is a high-quality liquid paper developer for black and white photographic prints. It comes in a ready-to-dilute format and offers a balanced tonal response, normal working contrast, and clean highlight-to-shadow transitions.

This paper developer ensures:

• Excellent tonal reproduction
• High image stability
• Uniform development across the paper surface

Whether you’re printing contact sheets or exhibition-grade fine art prints, this developer delivers results that are sharp, neutral, and consistent.

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Key Benefits of FOMATOL LQN 250ml

Here’s why photographers worldwide trust FOMATOL LQN 250ml for their darkroom workflow:

🔹 1. Liquid Convenience

Unlike powder-based paper developers that require full dissolution and careful handling, this developer comes as a liquid concentrate — reducing prep time and mess. Just dilute with water and pour it into your tray or processor.

🔹 2. Dual Use – Manual & Automatic

One of the most flexible features of FOMATOL LQN  is its compatibility with both manual darkroom processing and automatic processing machines. Ideal for labs, schools, or photographers with rotary drum processors.

🔹 3. Consistent Output

When diluted correctly, FOMATOL LQN 250ml provides even development and normal contrast. It’s engineered to handle a wide range of exposure conditions and paper types without color casts or uneven tones.

🔹 4. Flexible Dilution

You can dilute FOMATOL LQN 250ml based on your processing method:

• 1:7 dilution – For manual tray development
• 1:4 dilution – For automatic processing (higher replenishment rate)

This flexibility makes it ideal for photographers who work in different environments.

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How Much Can You Develop?

From one bottle of FOMATOL LQN 250ml, you can produce enough working solution to develop dozens of black and white prints, depending on paper size and dilution ratio. For example:

• At 1:7 dilution, you can produce approximately 2 liters of working solution.
• This is typically enough to process around 40 to 50 prints (8×10″), depending on usage and agitation.

If you’re working with larger paper sizes or heavier FB papers, you may get fewer prints, but the quality remains outstanding.

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Applications of FOMATOL LQN 250ml

FOMATOL LQN 250ml is ideal for:

• Fine art silver gelatin printing
• Educational labs and schools
• Gallery exhibition prints
• Contact sheet production
• Archival black and white print processing

No matter the scale of your darkroom, FOMATOL LQN  integrates smoothly with your existing workflow.

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Pair With These Compatible Products

To maximize your darkroom workflow, you can pair FOMATOL LQN 250ml with several high-performance products available in our store:

🔗 FOMA Fix P U1 – Reliable B&W Powder Fixer (1L Solution)
🔗 Paterson 8×10 Trays – Chemical Safe Plastic Darkroom Trays
🔗 All Films Collection

These items are fully compatible with FOMATOL LQN  and help ensure professional-quality prints.

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How to Use FOMATOL LQN 250ml

 For Manual Processing:

1. Dilute the concentrate 1:7 with water (e.g., 250ml concentrate + 1750ml water)
2. Pour into your 8×10 or 11×14 trays
3. Develop for 1 to 2 minutes at 20°C (68°F)
4. Follow with stop bath, fixer, and archival wash

 For Automatic Processing:

• Use 1:4 dilution
• Ideal for roller processors and automated drum systems
• Always check your equipment’s guidelines for temperature and cycle duration

For best results, always store FOMATOL LQN 250ml in a cool, dark place and use clean measuring equipment.

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External Resources & Further Reading

To learn more about proper black and white print processing, dilution, and archival practices, we recommend the following expert guides:

 Ilford’s Guide to Black & White Paper Processing (PDF) 
 Foma Bohemia – Official Product Data Sheet 

These resources are especially helpful for photographers working with FOMATOL LQN 250ml in a professional or archival setting.

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Technical Specifications

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Why Choose FOMATOL LQN ?

If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable paper developer that delivers neutral tone prints with stable contrast, FOMATOL LQN  is a superb option. Its versatility, compatibility, and proven formulation make it a favorite among analog photographers and educators alike.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making archival-quality prints or test strips, FOMATOL LQN 250ml ensures consistent, professional-grade results in every session. Easy to use, highly efficient, and supported by one of the most respected names in photography chemistry, this developer belongs in every serious darkroom.

FOMATOL LQN 250ml – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What type of photographic papers can I develop with FOMATOL LQN 250ml?

FOMATOL LQN 250ml is compatible with all black and white photographic papers, including both resin-coated (RC) and fiber-based (FB) papers. It works especially well with Foma papers, Ilford Multigrade, Kentmere, and most variable-contrast papers.

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2. Can I use this developer for manual tray processing as well as automatic processors?

Yes. FOMATOL LQN 250ml is designed for dual use:

• 1:7 dilution for manual tray development
• 1:4 dilution for automatic processing machines

Its formula ensures smooth, uniform development in both environments.

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3. How many prints can I develop with one bottle of FOMATOL LQN 250ml?

At a 1:7 dilution (manual processing), you can make about:

• 2 liters of working solution
• Enough to develop 40–50 prints (8×10″), depending on agitation and paper type

Fiber-based papers may reduce the total number slightly due to higher chemical absorption.

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4. Does FOMATOL LQN 250ml affect print color tone?

No. FOMATOL LQN is a neutral-tone developer, meaning it produces clean black, white, and midtone grays without warm or cold color shifts.
Paper tonality can still vary slightly depending on the paper brand and exposure.

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5. What is the recommended development time for prints?

For manual tray development at 20°C (68°F):

• Standard development time: 1–2 minutes
• Fiber-based papers may benefit from slightly longer times for full density

For automatic machines, follow your processor’s temperature and cycle duration guidelines.

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6. How long does the working solution stay active after dilution?

Once diluted, FOMATOL LQN’s working solution remains active for 1–2 working sessions if kept in a covered tray.
Exposure to air will gradually weaken the developer, so mixing fresh solution is recommended for critical prints or exhibitions.

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7. How should I store the concentrate to maintain shelf life?

Store the unopened bottle in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight.
Shelf life when unopened: 12–24 months
Once opened, use the concentrate within 6 months for best performance.

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8. Can I use FOMATOL LQN for lith printing or special contrast effects?

No. FOMATOL LQN is a normal-working print developer and is not designed for lith printing or alternative contrast effects.
For lith printing, a dedicated lith developer is required.