Re: XTOL and TMAX developing recipes

[boblong@xxxxxxxxxxx (Robert Long)]

On Fri, 7 Feb 1997 16:09:02 GMT, Tim Coffer wrote:

|I'd also appreciate any editorials regarding grain minimalization with
|either developer. More dilution of (and more time in) the developeris
|my guess, but again, if you've already invented that wheel, I'll at

On its web site (www.kodak.com), Kodak has a data sheet for XTOL
(J-107) that contains some clues.  There are processing time/temp
charts for many films, including HIE.  But there also are somewhat
abbreviated charts for one-shot development of these films in XTOL
1:1, 1:2, and 1:3.  Kodak is more than a little vague about the
advantages of dilution, however:

        "Dilution will provide slightly greater film speed,
        enhanced sharpness, and slightly enhanced [sic] grain."

Enhanced grain?  I think they mean that the grain will be smaller,
though it certainly doesn't sound that way on first reading.  And
since they don't include speed ratings for HIE (they refer you to its
data sheet--F-13, which makes no mention of XTOL), there's no way of
guessing how much speed gain you might experience.  Judging from
statements elsewhere in the XTOL literature, it's likely to consist
more of increased shadow detail than of greater overall density.

The more I look at XTOL vs. D-76, the more I believe I'll end up
forgetting about Old Faithful.  The packaging alone (plastic pouches
containing liquid concentrate) is a major advantage, and the shelf
life apparently is considerably better.

Hands-on reprorts avidly solicited.

Bob Long
(boblong@xxxxxxxxxxx)

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