B&W Reversal Processing of T-Max 100 with Xtol

In my experimentation with Tintyping, I've decided that instead of spending money on a giant 16*20 camera, I'll just shoot a 35mm B&W, develop it as a positive, then use it in an enlarger to expose a 16*20 tintype. Sounds good, right?


I was wondering if anyone had any experience with using TMax with Xtol, which is what i have in hand. I know there's a kit to do it, but $40 for only 4 rolls is quite expensive, and I have access to a chem lab that will have all the necessary chemicals for the bleach, clearing, etc.

There are many reversal processing formulas if you search around (try here: http://myfilmstuff.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-bw-reversal-process.html), which are all variations on Kodak's Tmax formula. Steve Anchell's The Darkroom Cookbook (now in its 4th edition) has several formulas. Xtol is probably not a good first developer in that it is not energetic enough, Dektol is readily available and will work better. Then you need to source bleach and clearing bath, ingredients for both available at Photographer's Formulary.

Thank you. Does anyone have any formulas for using Dektol with Tmax 100 rated at 50? I'm not sure of the hypo ratio i should use.

This is a formula I've regularly used for T-Max 100 and Delta 100

Metol 2g/L
Sodium Sulphite 36g/L
Hydroquinone 5g/L
Na2CO3, anh 50g/L
KBr 4/gL
Sodium Thiosulphate Pentahydrate 16g/L


T-Max 100 @ 200
6 minutes @ 29 degrees celsius


T-Max 100 @ 100
8m 30s @ 24 degrees celsius


T-Max 100 @ 50
7m 15s @ 24 degrees celsius


2 min wash with running water, then standard reversal from there using dichromate bleach recipe for reliability.

Works very well when using catechol + sodium carbonate only 2nd developer for increased dmax and contrast. I follow that up with a third developer straight after (any normal dev) just to make sure it's fully driven to development.

Then fix, wash, rinse, dry.

To be clear, that is mixed with Dektol, correct?