development time: APX 100 and XTOL 1+1

[whojammyflip]

Hi all, I recently shot my first roll of APX 100 and processed with XTOL 1+1. I had seen a variety of information on the web and also in the Anchell Cookbook, and processed at a median value of 9mins at 20deg, which is the same as I would use for TMAX 100. Temperature was absolutely bang on 20 degrees C. Agitation for 30s and then 5s every 30s. Its come out too contrasty. I shot 10 frames from Z1 through to Z10, and the Z10 frame is pitch black. All the photos on the film of normal family pics etc look very contrasty. What is the optimal processing time, if you found one using this combination? Thanks.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

The simple math is that if you have too much contrast, you developed too long. Shorten developing time by 20% and try again.

Realize that any developing time published anywhere is just a starting time. Things like local water quality, your agitation technique, thermometer accuracy (not precision, accuracy), etc matter a lot in the outcome.

Just do the work, and then you will be happy with what you accomplished, because it was YOU that figured out how long you needed to develop for, for YOUR particular work flow. And that is the best way.

 

[whojammyflip]

Thanks, I use a couple of thermometers...one is stored away as the reference thermometer. Will try -20% time...thanks a lot.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Thanks, I use a couple of thermometers...one is stored away as the reference thermometer. Will try -20% time...thanks a lot.

Sure. And repeat adjusting your time until you have negs that are the way you like them and you get the prints that you want.

 

[zsas]

FYI there are two APX 100's on the market. The old one and the new one. I believe Mirko (of ADOX) said there are differnet dev times...

Which one ya got?

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

And the new one is not an Agfa emulsion at all...

 

[Gerald C Koch]

You can also change the agitation to 5s (two gentle inversions) every minute to reduce contrast.

 

[zsas]

For sure T! The box says made in EU, so that could be Harmon, Foma?? Regardless OP, make sure you know what ya got...