Share your replenished Xtol development times

Steven Lee · Dec 12, 2022

aparat said:
Having said that, XTOL-R can be a very stable developer with a clear economic advantage of only 70 ml per roll of a 35mm film. It does require slightly more discipline and has a bit of a learning curve. Is it worth it? To me, it is, at least for now.

I am torn. On one hand, I enjoy not having to mix chemicals for months. A single 5L batch of Xtol-R lasts me a long time. On the other hand, I am a bit annoyed by the need to monitor activity. Simply adding 70ml after each roll does not work: the activity will be drifting, especially if you develop sporadically and use many different films. Developing 10 rolls of HP5+ in a row will not produce the same amount of byproduct as developing 10 rolls of Delta 100, that's why I purchased a densitometer and adopted a habit of adding a control strip to every batch if there's room in the tank.

In old threads people reported that activity also gradually drops during storage. I have not personally verified that, but this doesn't sound improbable.

Craig · Dec 12, 2022

Steven Lee said:
In old threads people reported that activity also gradually drops during storage. I have not personally verified that, but this doesn't sound improbable.

When I was doing some testing I compared 3 year old Xtol stock solution to a fresh batch and the results were within my margin of error of my densitometer. I considered it good enough that I don't worry about the age of my stock solution.

However, my stock solution is kept in an airtight container ( wine bag) and in a fairly cool place, it's a pretty constant 15°C year round.

Sirius Glass · Dec 12, 2022

aparat said:
Thank you for the info! I think XTOL-R deserves a sticky post, don't you think? When I tried to research it, I found countless bits and pieces scattered all over Photrio, often with divided opinions on the subject.

I must say, I am becoming more and more impressed with XTOL-R, after over twenty years of almost exclusively using D76 (Kodak and home brew) and Rodinal (for Fomapan 100 exclusively). It can be beautiful with some films, like the cheap Ultrafine Finesse 100. I can't put my finger on it, but, compared to D76, it seems better suited to rotary processing. The negatives are more evenly developed, and I am not just talking about the edges of the frame. Tonality is very smooth and extended, but without running away from you in the highlights. Grain is fine, but without that mushy kind of look.

I have been saying that on ~~APUG~~ Photrio for over a decade.

Radost · Dec 14, 2022

Any recommendation for 2 liter Xtol-r bottle? Definitely dont want glass. Very clumsy.

Steven Lee · Dec 14, 2022

Radost said:
Any recommendation for 2 liter Xtol-r bottle? Definitely dont want glass. Very clumsy.

Disclaimer, I have never tried these, but they have been recommended by others more than once.

Donald Qualls · Dec 14, 2022

I empty out a 2 liter PET soda or tonic bottle. Very impermeable, convenient size, easy to reseal. Around a buck and a half or less for store brand.

MattKing · Dec 14, 2022

Radost said:
Any recommendation for 2 liter Xtol-r bottle? Definitely dont want glass. Very clumsy.

I like the 2 liter bottles with finger holds. I know you said you don't want glass, but the "growler" bottles are quite good. A plastic version, like those pictured in the link shared by Stephen Lee, would be good.

MattKing · Dec 14, 2022

And if 2 quarts will satisfy your needs, the larger, 2 quart size of these work well:

Radost · Dec 15, 2022

To be honest “and it might sound stupid” development is my favorite part of the whole process.
Every time I pick up a jobo bottle I remember developing with my grand father. using a soda or a tomato juice bottle I feel will diminish the experience.
I already have 2 liter accordion bottles the I purchased before I knew they are not very good keeping the oxygen out.

Radost · Dec 15, 2022

Quick question for the 1:1 people.
Do you mix 1:1 right before the development or when you mix the stock solution from powder?

Donald Qualls · Dec 15, 2022

Radost said:
Do you mix 1:1 right before the development or when you mix the stock solution from powder?

Full stock strength will keep better than diluted developer. Higher concentration of preservative (sodium sulfite) does a better job of protecting the developing agents.

Sirius Glass · Dec 15, 2022

Radost said:
Quick question for the 1:1 people.
Do you mix 1:1 right before the development or when you mix the stock solution from powder?

I mix 5 liters of stock from powder and store in 1 liter StopLossBag™ www.stoplossbag.com. Accordian bottles do not seal out air well.

Radost · Dec 15, 2022

Thank you both.
I did my first 1:1 development and the quality closely matched replenishment.
After doing stock XTOL for a long time since I started I am so happy I ventured in to replenishment and 1:1. Not only I feel I get more dynamic range and shadow details but the fact that I don’t have to chill my chemicals for 68F is a huge connivance.

Sirius Glass · Dec 15, 2022

I have used XTOL, XTOL 1:1 and replenished XTOL and the best results were replenished XTOL every time.

Share your replenished Xtol development times

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MattKing

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