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I use a condenser enlarger and have been shooting mostly 135 Tri-X (400TX). My nominal processing procedure is to over-expose negatives by 1/3 stop and under-develop 15% with D-76. This gives good balanced contrast and most frames grade out between 2 and 4 in the print phase.
What I'd Like to Try:
I've traditionally used D-76 as the developer and, for any enlargement less than 8x10, grain is inconsequential to my work. I would like to try XTOL and see if I get a better grain/sharpness balance for better 8x10s and larger performance.
Contrast Adjustment:
Neither of Kodak's current Tri-X nor XTOL data sheet give contrast adjustment factors. For D-76 and Tri-X, I reduced the recommended standard times by 15% and obtained the desired results.
Questions:
1) Can I expect similar performance if I reduce times 15% on XTOL?
2) Should I modify my exposure adjustment based on XTOL development?
3) D-76 and XTOL use different developing agents - are there any factors besides exposure and development time I should consider based on developer differences?
4) Is there a resource (book or online data) that provides some starting points?
I understand results vary with equipment used, technique, and photographer preferences. Any help in establishing a starting point would be appreciated. Thank you.
I use a condenser enlarger and have been shooting mostly 135 Tri-X (400TX). My nominal processing procedure is to over-expose negatives by 1/3 stop and under-develop 15% with D-76. This gives good balanced contrast and most frames grade out between 2 and 4 in the print phase.
What I'd Like to Try:
I've traditionally used D-76 as the developer and, for any enlargement less than 8x10, grain is inconsequential to my work. I would like to try XTOL and see if I get a better grain/sharpness balance for better 8x10s and larger performance.
Contrast Adjustment:
Neither of Kodak's current Tri-X nor XTOL data sheet give contrast adjustment factors. For D-76 and Tri-X, I reduced the recommended standard times by 15% and obtained the desired results.
Questions:
1) Can I expect similar performance if I reduce times 15% on XTOL?
2) Should I modify my exposure adjustment based on XTOL development?
3) D-76 and XTOL use different developing agents - are there any factors besides exposure and development time I should consider based on developer differences?
4) Is there a resource (book or online data) that provides some starting points?
I understand results vary with equipment used, technique, and photographer preferences. Any help in establishing a starting point would be appreciated. Thank you.