Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> From: Guy Bennett <gbennett@lainet.com> > > 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. i guess you are referring to the kodak-recommended "100 ml rule": From Kodak J109: We recommend always starting with at least 100 mL (3.5 fluidounces) of full-strength developer to prepare the diluted solution for each 135-36 or 120 roll (or the equivalent of 80 square inches [516 square centimetres]). in practical terms, this would imply that with a dilution of 1+3, you would need 100x4=400ml of diluted solution per roll. this is roughly equivalent to one reel in a 2-reel (16 oz) tank full of 1+3 XTOL. > 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 i do often break the 100ml rule. does the 100ml rule have safety factors built-in, like making sure it will work with 1-year-old developer made with rusty tapwater, developing muddy-dense negatives, etc? with fresh xtol made with distilled water, can we get down to 70-75 ml per roll? do others break the 100 ml rule? - -rei - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html