A Timeless Developer for Modern Eyes: 510 Pyro Review
Pyro-based developers have a rich history dating back to the very origins of photography in the 1830s. Early photographic pioneers in England—including William Henry Fox Talbot—experimented with gallic acid and its derivatives, such as pyrogallol (the chemical foundation of pyro developers). Pyrogallol itself was isolated in the early 19th century and quickly caught the attention of photographic innovators who discovered its effectiveness as a reducing agent for developing latent images on light-sensitive materials.
One of the oldest known instances of a pyro-developed portrait dates from the mid-1800s. If you look through the archives of prominent institutions like the British Library or the National Media Museum, you may come across an 1850s portrait credited to an unnamed English photographer who employed a pyro-based formula similar to the early calotype process. The subtle tonal gradations and delicate handling of highlights visible in these early images are a testament to pyrogallol’s unique characteristics in reducing silver halides to metallic silver.
Historical Context
When & Where Pyro Was First Used: Early 1830s, primarily in England, as part of experiments to develop stable photographic processes.
Who Used It: Innovators like William Henry Fox Talbot tested pyro (or close derivatives) for the calotype process; John Herschel’s chemical insights also influenced widespread adoption.
Historical Use: Pyro quickly became a favored developer for glass plate negatives and other early processes due to its capacity to yield fine detail and a wide dynamic range.
Modern Pyro & J. Jay DeFehr
Fast forward to the modern era, J. Jay DeFehr revitalized pyro developers by formulating 510 Pyro, among other contemporary pyro-based recipes. DeFehr is a photographic chemist and educator, originally from the United States, who sought to harness the unique staining properties of pyrogallol while making the developer more convenient, less toxic, and more versatile for different film formats (35mm, 120, and large format). His work bridged the gap between old-world photographic chemistry and the needs of contemporary photographers, ensuring that pyro’s classic tonality could be enjoyed with modern emulsions. Fortunately for us photographers, Zone Imaging in the UK have brought his pyro recipe to market and removed the complication of combining the chemicals into a working formula for us.
Who is J. Jay DeFehr?
Background: DeFehr studied various branches of photographic chemistry, focusing on developing stable, repeatable formulas for advanced black-and-white processing.
Contributions: Beyond inventing 510 Pyro, he has authored numerous articles and guides on pyro development, pushing forward a revival of staining developers in the film photography community.
Philosophy: He advocates for balancing traditional chemical knowledge with practical, modern solutions, ensuring that pyro remains accessible and not just a relic of the 19th century.
How Pyro Works
Pyrogallol is the primary developing agent in pyro solutions. During development, it reduces silver halides (exposed to light) into metallic silver. Simultaneously, a chemical reaction causes a staining effect on the gelatin emulsion. The by-products of the developer oxidize and embed into the film’s emulsion layer, forming a stain image in addition to the metallic silver. This dual-layer image amplifies highlight detail, controls contrast, and can produce exceptionally smooth mid-tones.
Because of its staining action, pyro-based negatives often scan and print with a distinct tonality, highlighting subtle textures and transitions between shadows and highlights. The stain is technically proportional to the amount of silver density, thereby acting almost like a built-in “contrast mask” that helps protect highlight detail from blowing out.
Why Pyro Needs an Alkaline Fixer
Traditional photographic fixers—especially acid-based ones—can neutralize or disrupt the staining effect. An alkaline or near-neutral fixer (often referred to as “alkaline fix” or “alkaline rapid fix”) maintains the environment in which pyro’s staining by-products remain stable. If you use a standard acidic fixer, you risk reducing the stain or causing uneven results. This can degrade some of pyro’s unique advantages, including its ability to hold highlight detail and produce that signature glowing tonality.
510 Pyro’s Advantages in Different Film Formats
35mm:
Fine-Grain & Tonal Smoothness: The stain masks grain, making 35mm negatives look smoother.
Highlight Retention: Small-format shooters appreciate how pyro holds onto the brightest areas.
120 (Medium Format):
Exceptional Detail: Medium format film captures more detail, which pyro accentuates through the dual-layer image effect.
Enhanced Local Contrast: The staining action brings out mid-tone textures and gradations, giving negatives a “three-dimensional” feel.
Large Format:
Long Scale Tones: Large format photographers crave a wide dynamic range; pyro’s highlight control is often unmatched.
Contact Printing & Scanning: Pyro negatives are renowned for stunning contact prints and produce excellent scan results due to the stain’s self-masking properties.
Comparisons to Other Developers
Ilford (ID-11): A classic, balanced developer that provides consistent results but doesn’t create a staining effect. Pyro typically yields richer highlight detail due to the stain.
Kodak XTOL: Known for its fine grain and sharpness. XTOL is excellent for many purposes, yet pyro’s unique tonality and extended highlight control set it apart.
Rodinal (Adox Rodinal): Rodinal is famous for its high acutance and pronounced grain structure. Pyro, conversely, softens grain by overlaying it with a stain. Rodinal’s results can be more “gritty,” while pyro has a smoother gradation.
Where normal developers focus solely on reducing exposed silver halides to metallic silver, pyro does the same while adding a distinctive stain layer. This extra dimension is what makes 510 Pyro so prized among photographers looking for maximum dynamic range and nuanced tonal shifts.
A Standout Assessment
The 510 Pyro developer stands out for its combination of historical pedigree and modern refinement. It’s a direct link to the earliest days of photography—back when innovators in England were paving the way for everything we do today—yet it remains vital, relevant, and easy to use. The highlight control and smoothness across shadow, mid-tone, and highlight transitions give it a special place in any darkroom arsenal, whether you’re working in 35mm, 120, or large format.
510 Pyro is brought to us by the exceptional team at Zone Imaging in the UK. You can buy direct from them at https://www.zone-imaging.co.uk/ and also pick up the alkaline fixer at the same time.
Photographers interested in black-and-white film processing who value tonal nuance, highlight detail, and a distinctive “glow” should consider adding 510 Pyro to their workflow. It’s not just about nostalgia or tradition; it genuinely provides a unique look that’s hard to replicate with any standard developer.