Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/01/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Adam Bridge asked: > I've always processed Xtol at 68. > But I'm going to be processing some 1:3 dilutions and wonder if going up to > say 75 wouldn't speed things up. > But if it does speed up the processing will it have a negative effect? > I'm not sure about the tradeoffs. > I read (here) that TMAX developer likes 75 better than cooler temps. What >about XTOL?<< Hi Adam, The reason for souping Tmax film at 75 degrees in Tmax developer is due to the viscosity of the liquid developer as it adheres to the film for better action at the higher temperature. Right or wrong explanation but that's what a Kodak tech advized me to do not long after Tmax developer was available for Tmax film. And I have always used that temp and 6 minutes souping time. It's always worked for me so I've always stuck with it. So when I switched back to Tri-x last year using XTOL I continued to soup at 75 degrees. It cut down the souping time a little and seemed to produce beautiful negs whether I shot Tri x at 400 or 800. I've not seen any negative aspects at this temperature as the negs print well with a Leica enlarger in wet tray or scanned and 2200 dry printed. I suppose some of the technical astute folks may argue with my method, that's their prerogative. But it's worked for me through experience this year and roughly 700 rolls of Tri-x so who am I to argue. ;-) I soup 1:1 @ 75 for 8 minutes with the film rated at ASA 800. Full agitation for the first 30 seconds and three easy inversions of the film tank every 30 seconds until done. ted - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html