XTOL What is the latest?

[carl_crosby1]

After reviewing the many posted comments regarding problems with Xtol, I'm wondering if Kodak has solved the problem, or made any progress toward eliminating the intermittant and confusing lack of consistancy resulting from use of the product? Is it bettter to stick with D-76 or ID 11?

[jon_porter1]

Seems the Kodak solution was to just discontinue the 1 liter packages

of Xtol, which eliminates a big percentage of home darkroom users.

From my experience, Kodak should have recommended mixing at a higher

temperature. I used Xtol for a year, having about a dozen failures.

After starting to mix the chemicals at 100 degrees I've had 100%

consistency and not a single failure, even with four-month-old

developer.

[melvin_bramley]

The first time I used Xtol (1 ltr pack) I had problems mixing it at

room temperature. Since then I have always mixed it at about 35 degC &

have had NO problems ( touch wood). I now use the 5 ltr packages &

store it in collapsable containers to keep out the air. This way the

developer seems to keep forever. Using Xtol @ 1:1 it lasts me about 6

months with no visible change in results. With the negative feedback

on Xtol & the discontinuation of some B&W products I fear Xtol may

soon bite the dust.

Some of us however are quite happy with the product.

[William D. Lester]

I have authored a couple of previous postings regarding Xtol

failures. I now mix at higher temperatures and let the mixed

solution 'rest' for a while ensuring that the powders are completely

dissolved. I have not had any failures for months. I am a little

dissapointed that the 1 litre packs are being discontinued, but that

will not stop me from using it. I think it is the best developer

available other than PMK which is a little more trouble to use.

[chuck_albertson]

I have not yet experienced the problems others have reported. I mix 5

liters of the stuff, using distilled water, and pour it into one of

those 5-liter bottles Kodak sells for its color chemistry. Then I use

it (usually at 1:3 dilution) until it's gone.

[xx]

what differences are there between xtol and tmax rs from those of you

who have used both? i.e., grain size, film speed

[richard jepsen]

The Film Developing Cookbook by Stephen Anchell and Bill Troop say it

all. "XTOL is the fist patented developer formula from the US Kodak

Research Lab to claim a speed increase. Fine grain and sharpness are

also improved when compared to D-76 and T-Max developers. XTOL is

now the developer most highly recommended by Kodak for T-Max films.

It has been observed that dilution increases speed and sharpness with

XTOL. Dilutions of 1:3 or more are frequently recommended. At these

dilutions XTOL is effectively a nonsolvent developer, but because of

its careful buffering, grain is still fine."

 

<p>

 

Kodak no longer provides charts for dilutions greater than 1:1. Over

a 4 year period my failure rate with the product is much less than 1%

using dilutions of 1:2 with mostly 120 film.

 

<p>

 

D-76 may not make it to market if developed under current

enviromental standards. XTOL's ultimate advantage is the reduced

environmental impact to the environment and humans. It works great

on 120 Tri-X/Verichrome mixed 1:2 and 135mm FP4m mixed 1:1. It's a

perfect balance of sharpness, grain, tonality. 120 Tri-X is sharp

sharp sharp when cooked 1:3 with XTOL. By diluting, you get different

looks.