What Is Ilford PQ Universal Developer Used For?
By WALKENS House of Film | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Ilford PQ Universal is a liquid concentrate for tray-developing RC and FB black and white papers, and for some technical and sheet films. Here's how to use it.
Quick answer
Ilford PQ Universal is a liquid concentrate developer for tray processing of all RC and FB black and white papers. It also develops Ilford and some other technical films, plus general-purpose sheet films when you need a fast-working, high-contrast result.
Paper developer vs film developer: why PQ Universal can do both
Paper developers are formulated to act quickly on a surface emulsion and often produce higher contrast, while film developers are tuned for consistent density across a thicker emulsion. PQ Universal sits in between: it is primarily a paper developer, but its dimezone/hydroquinone chemistry also works on certain films when tray processing is acceptable.
That flexibility has limits. PQ Universal is not a replacement for a fine-grain film developer in a tank; it is a tray developer, so you need a darkroom and careful handling rather than a daylight tank.
When to choose PQ Universal and when to choose something else
Choose PQ Universal if you print RC or FB papers regularly and want one concentrate that covers both, or if you occasionally tray-develop technical or sheet film and want a fast, contrasty result. Skip it if you need a one-shot film developer for 35mm or 120 in a tank, or if you want maximum shadow detail in pictorial sheet film; a dedicated film developer is a better fit there.
Ilford PQ Universal FAQ
- What dilutions does Ilford PQ Universal use?
- Ilford publishes dilution and time tables for paper and film in its technical data sheet. Follow the sheet for your specific paper or film rather than guessing; the correct dilution depends on the material and temperature. Keep the data sheet at the tray; dilution is not one-size-fits-all.
- How do I mix PQ Universal from concentrate?
- Measure the concentrate and water according to the dilution ratio on the data sheet, add concentrate to water, and stir gently. Use the mixture at the recommended temperature and discard when exhausted or when the published capacity is reached. Mix only what you need for the session; do not store diluted working solution long-term.
- Can I use PQ Universal as a film developer in a tank?
- No. PQ Universal is designed for dish/tray processing. For tank development of roll film, use a developer formulated for that purpose. Tray only for film; tank processing needs a different developer.
- Is PQ Universal suitable for both RC and FB papers?
- Yes. It is suitable for all RC and FB black and white papers in tray development. You can switch between paper types without changing developer.
- How long does mixed PQ Universal last?
- The catalog does not state a storage life for working solution. As a practical rule, mix fresh for each session and rely on the data sheet's capacity figures rather than keeping diluted developer indefinitely. Fresh dilution per session avoids inconsistent results.
Product facts
- Ilford PQ Universal Paper Developer 500mL: Ilford PQ Universal is a liquid concentrate dimezone/hydroquinone developer for dish/tray developing of all RC and FB black and white papers. One bottle covers both paper types, so you don't need separate RC and FB developers for routine printing.
Ilford PQ Universal Paper Developer 500mL - Ilford PQ Universal Paper Developer 500mL: It can also dish/tray process Ilford and some other technical films, and general-purpose sheet films when a fast-working, high-contrast developer is needed. This makes it useful for tray film work, but it is not intended for tank development of roll film.
