A PROCESS FOR PREPARING NEGATIVE IMAGES

摘要

The present invention provides a process for preparing a negative image of high contrast comprising developing an exposed silver halide photographic material which is substantially a surface latent image-type material in the presence of a hydrazine derivative, wherein said material is processed with a water-soluble alkaline developer having a pH value of from 10.5 to 12.3 and at least comprising the following components (1) through (3): (1) a dihydroxybenzene-type developing agent; (2) 0.3 mole/liter (developer) or more of a sulfite preservative; and (3) from 0.01 to 0.30 mole/liter (developer) of a compound of formula (A) (A) in which R2 represents an alkyl group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R3 and R4 each represents an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The formed negative images are of high contrast and are almost free from silver stain. The sensitivity is high and the dot image quality is good.