Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/02

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: Xtol newbie
From: Guy Bennett <gbennett@lainet.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 09:18:57 -0800
References: <200110012058.NAA05894@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>

>I'm not sure what point there is in diluting any further than 1:1. In
>fact, if you use a Jobo you really can't go any more dilute than 1:1 or
>you won't have enough stock developer to actually develop the film. See
>the Kodak web pages for more details on this.
>[snip]
>Rolfe Tessem


According to Anchell and Troop, "dilution increases speed and sharpness
with XTOL. Dilutions of 1:3 or more are frequently recommended. At these
dilutions XTOL is effectively a nonsolvent developer, but because of its
careful buffering, grain is still fine." (Film Developing Cookbook, p. 50)

So with XTOL in dilutions of at least 1:3, you get both the fine grain of a
solvent developer *and* the sharpness of a non-solvent developer, something
that has been remarked by a number of folks on this list. And as for not
having enough developer at dilutions greater than 1:1, I don't believe it.
While there is much to be said for following manufacturers' instructions,
personal experience suggests that it is simply not true. (Like having to
mix XTOL at 20° when other temps will also work.) Why not try it yourself
and compare?

Guy
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