X-tol @1:3?

fjpod · Dec 31, 2018

So, I'm strictly an amateur hobbyist. Worked with several supplies of D76 and ID11. Always found them to work well, but i wanted to try Xtol for it's alleged finer grain. I'm almost through my current supply, and again, not being an expert, I'm planning to go back to D76. I find Xtol at 1+1 to be a bit flat and lacks contrast. Can't imagine using it at 1+3. If any experts out there want to tell me what I'm doing wrong, is be happy to listen.

Tim Stapp · Dec 31, 2018

FWIW, I've been using Xtol straight/one shot in a Jobo processor and have a difficult distinguishing grain when focusing on the easel for a print from 6x7 or 4x5 negative. If you are seeing flat negatives or lack of contrast, you might be developing for too short a time or your agitation technique might be off.

Others may have more meaningful replies.

removed account4 · Dec 31, 2018

fjpod said:
So, I'm strictly an amateur hobbyist. Worked with several supplies of D76 and ID11. Always found them to work well, but i wanted to try Xtol for it's alleged finer grain. I'm almost through my current supply, and again, not being an expert, I'm planning to go back to D76. I find Xtol at 1+1 to be a bit flat and lacks contrast. Can't imagine using it at 1+3. If any experts out there want to tell me what I'm doing wrong, is be happy to listen.

hi fjpod
you might consider bracketting your exposures and developing times to figure out if the developer suits your needs..
typically before i give up on a developer i use it for a while not just 1 or 2 rolls ... i figure if the developer was not very good
they would have stopped making it by name ( idk 25 years later? ) good luck !

Tim Stapp · Dec 31, 2018

My Xtol is in a wine bladder and was mixed last April with distilled water (8 months ago) and is as active as the day that I mixed it. Iron and air are it's enemies. Keep it from air and Iron and it is good.

Yes, I do need to shoot more

Peter Schrager · Dec 31, 2018

fjpod said:
So, I'm strictly an amateur hobbyist. Worked with several supplies of D76 and ID11. Always found them to work well, but i wanted to try Xtol for it's alleged finer grain. I'm almost through my current supply, and again, not being an expert, I'm planning to go back to D76. I find Xtol at 1+1 to be a bit flat and lacks contrast. Can't imagine using it at 1+3. If any experts out there want to tell me what I'm doing wrong, is be happy to listen.

I've been using xtol 1+2 almost since it came out. I get high quality negatives developing everything from 35mm to sheet film...for smaller formats I do a semi stand routine..
Keeps highlights from blowing out on tmy400
Make sure you have a relative idea of your film speed for your camera is...after that develop for 25% more and 25% less..you will hit your mark. Learn to make a proper proof...that will tell you if anything goes amiss like a shutter out of whack. Highly recommend zone vi workshop by fred picker...do the exercises and you will know more than 99% of photographers

mshchem · Dec 31, 2018

Tim Stapp said:
FWIW, I've been using Xtol straight/one shot in a Jobo processor and have a difficult distinguishing grain when focusing on the easel for a print from 6x7 or 4x5 negative. If you are seeing flat negatives or lack of contrast, you might be developing for too short a time or your agitation technique might be off.

Others may have more meaningful replies.

This is my experience as well. XTOL works great as stock, especially with a Jobo. For years I used XTOL stock, replenished using 1/2 gallon hard rubber tanks for sheet film and Paterson tanks for rolls. I used it 1:1 one shot with Paterson tanks as well. I don't try to replenish any longer.
Pure water is important, I use my own RO. Deionized water works great.

Peter Schrager · Dec 31, 2018

Never had a problem with water..just tap

fjpod · Jan 1, 2019

jnanian said:
hi fjpod
you might consider bracketting your exposures and developing times to figure out if the developer suits your needs..
typically before i give up on a developer i use it for a while not just 1 or 2 rolls ... i figure if the developer was not very good
they would have stopped making it by name ( idk 25 years later? ) good luck !

So true. Must be something wrong with me. Lol. Thanks.

removed account4 · Jan 1, 2019

fjpod said:
So true. Must be something wrong with me. Lol. Thanks.

IDK about that .. LOL
good luck !

X-tol @1:3?

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