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Xtol or Microphen?

brian steinberger

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Just trying to understand the similarities and differences between the two. I've never used Microphen before. I'm planning on using one with 120 HP5, mainly pushing to EI 800 in flat light but sometimes shooting at 400 as well. I have heard Microphen pushes slightly better. Though Xtol is available in 5L packets which I like and also much cheaper than Micropen.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
 
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brian steinberger

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Thanks Michael. Why do you believe HP5 would look better in Microphen rather than Xtol?
 

Athiril

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Having used both Ive always loved xtol but not microphen so much, think microphen produces rougher grain.

Last time I used tri-x in xtol replenished it had a pleasent creamy look to it, while hp5+ was contrasty with "snap" to it in xtol replenished. Both were pleasing.
 
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brian steinberger

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Thanks guys! I think I will try Xtol again. I used it years ago to great success with 120 Neopan 400. Unfortunately, Neopan is no longer with us and since then I switched to FP4 and HP5 with ID-11. Wanted to give Xtol a try again to see if I can gain a little more speed and better tonality with HP5.
 
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