Xtol - storage life of 1:1 dilution same as for stock solution?

mhanc · Sep 19, 2010

Cuttenly I mix up the 5L of Xtol stock solution and store it in full 1/2L plastic bottles. I have had zero problems with this method out to 7 months [the longest I have gone before using it up].

My developing tank uses 1/2L of solution for 120 film and I use Xtol 1:1 as a one-shot developer.

So, I was wondering... could I store the 1:1 diluted solution in the same full 1/2L plastic bottles and have the same keeping properties? Any others storing diluted Xtol this way?

Sure would be convenient!

Ian Grant · Sep 19, 2010

Once the developer's diluted the level of sulphite is cut and provides less protection against oxidation, there's dissolved oxygen etc in water, you might get away with very short term storage at 1+1 but it's not recommended.

Ian

2F/2F · Sep 19, 2010

IME, developers will last for some time at 1:1, but certainly not as long as keeping them straight or double strength. Just think about the fact that when you mix something 1:1, you have twice as much opportunity for oxidation to occur in the solution as it sits, even in an air-tight jug. Also, this dilutes all the ingredients, changing their effectiveness.

IMO, the more concentrated you can stow something, the better. I would rather have to mix my stock solution with water every time I develop film that I would have 10 L of working solution sitting around.

fschifano · Sep 19, 2010

Not a good idea as Ian and 2F/2F have pointed out. I mean, even the manufacturer points out in the tech pub (page 2 this document) that you should dilute it just prior to use and use it only once. Admittedly, Kodak has a reputation for being extremely conservative in their chemical shelf life recommendations, and there are occasions when those estimates can be stretched. This is one of the times that I'd take them seriously and not try to play fast and loose with the rules. Dektol, for example, will last at least a few days in a completely full and tightly stoppered bottle when diluted; but you won't get nearly the capacity from it that you would if it were freshly diluted. But what's the worst that will happen if the Dektol goes bad? You waste a sheet of paper and that's it. The negative is still good and you can make another. But if you screw up the negative, you are, well, screwed. Can't be fixed.

A49 · Sep 19, 2010

As the others explained storing of 1+1 Xtol is no good idea. If I understood you rightly then you have the storing problem after opening one full 1/2 l bottle, because only the half has been used and you still have 1/4 l Xtol and 1/4 l air in this bottle? If yes, then try the get plastic bottles which you can compress enough to get rid of the air. Or fill the Xtol working solution rest in a 1/4 l bottle.

Andreas

mhanc · Sep 19, 2010

Thanks all for the very sound advice.

Storing the 1:1 solution would have streamlined my process as I mix and store chemicals in a different place than where I develop; however, I will definitely stick to only storing the stock solution.

jp498 · Sep 19, 2010

The practical benefit of storing it undiluted is that you can adjust the final temperature with the mix water. If your xtol is at 65f, mix it 1:1 with 75f water and you instantly have 70f developer ready to use.

TareqPhoto · Sep 20, 2010

Not sure about XTOL, but once i diluted D-76 1:1 and used it again only second time before discarding it and it worked fine, i will never use diluted developer more than 2 times and will not store it for longer than 2weeks-1month, and i increase the time of developer time by 15-25%, in all cases i also prefer not to use diluted developer, even if i use the stock[full strength] i use it mostly 3-4 times.

Sirius Glass · Sep 20, 2010

TareqPhoto said:
i also prefer not to use diluted developer, even if i use the stock[full strength] i use it mostly 3-4 times.

You are missing the advantages of a seasoned developer by not replenishing XTOL.

kompressor · Sep 20, 2010

Sirius Glass said:
You are missing the advantages of a seasoned developer by not replenishing XTOL.

Please tell us about the advantages and a replenish regime on XTOL

tim k · Sep 20, 2010

Someone once pointed out to me that I was stressing over fifty cents worth of Xtol. The same 1/2 ltr that your tank uses.

I also store my stock solution in 1/2 ltr bottles, but when I only need half, just dump the extra stock solution in a smaller bottle. Xtol 1+1 couldn't be easier to mix.

Sirius Glass · Sep 20, 2010

kompressor said:
Please tell us about the advantages and a replenish regime on XTOL

Search APUG, there are many threads on the subject. PE and others have covered this very well. I cannot summarize it in one post.

Steve

Iridium · Apr 6, 2011

I have a question.

If I use the XTOL 1+1 for developing one film, can I use it again right after or a day after for developing another film before discarding it?

If so, should I add more time for the next film?

And something more, some times the colour of the developer changes after its use depending on the film (i.e. when I use it with Fomapan 200, the developer gets a turquoise colour). Can this affect the development of the new film?

ath · Apr 6, 2011

XTOL 1+1 is single shot: use it, discard it. You gain consistency and loose very little.
I even stopped re-using XTOL stock (not replenished) for consistency reasons.

Iridium · Apr 6, 2011

ath said:
XTOL 1+1 is single shot: use it, discard it. You gain consistency and loose very little.
I even stopped re-using XTOL stock (not replenished) for consistency reasons.

Thanx Andreas. I will use a new shot of Xtol stock for 1+1 dilution for each development.

Xtol - storage life of 1:1 dilution same as for stock solution?

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