Newbie -Xtol with Ilford Delta 400 dilutions

[baachitraka]

Just curious, how you guys compare with Divided D-23 and other variations with Xtol or repl Xtol?

One problem is that I don't shoot that frequently to use 5l Xtol before it dies.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Just curious, how you guys compare with Divided D-23 and other variations with Xtol or repl Xtol?

One problem is that I don't shoot that frequently to use 5l Xtol before it dies.

I don't. I found something that works really well for me, so I don't try to fix what isn't broken.

People make much too big of a deal of the developers and film they use. Maybe not what you want to hear, but no film or developer is going to make or break a photographic print. It doesn't matter that much. Just pick one that's likely to stick around for a while, and learn how to exploit it to your liking.

 

[baachitraka]

Its only me that is really unsettled with the choice of the developer for fast film(400 or faster).

I am quite happy with Rodinal(1+50) for slow film(APX 100 and PanF+) + Adox MCP 310/312 paper with a condenser enlarger.

Rodinal is little grainy for my taste with fast film even printing on (24x18cm). So, I am in quest to find something better(artistically it may have different meaning) than what Rodinal can deliver for fast film.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

You might want to try Ilfotec DD-X. It has many of Xtol's virtues, but comes in smaller containers. It's a great developer. Kodak's TMax is very similar.

Xtol is a bit unique in the fine grain it yields, and at the same time extracts so much shadow detail while yielding sharp negatives, especially diluted 1:1.

How about this: Just use the developer straight or 1:1. After six months simply discard what you're not using.

 

[baachitraka]

Yeah, I will mix it soon. Its not so expensive even if I waste a litre or more than that.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Really good points, Michael. The idea of really learning how to use a developer, in order to get the most out of it, is paramount.

 

[baachitraka]

Thanks Michael. I will sort it out and find what fits for my taste, without sacrificing too much with fast films.