Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]DonjR43198@aol.com wrote: > > The recommendation of Xtol for developing EFKE 100 was interesting. In your > developing and printing experience, what advantage, if any, does Xtol have > over the other developers mentioned? As we are talking Kodak, Xtol will be everywhere so there is the availability factor. It is the Developer Kodak is recommending you use with T max films so can get some at the Plaid Pantry at 3 AM. There seems to be a huge consensus that this stuff is the greatest new thing since roll film but I have not as yet seen the 16 by 20's on the wall side by side to prove its value over Buetlers. Buetlers is no sweat to mix so if Xtol doesn't pan out I'll gladly flush it down the toilet with the other developer. It does sound in the book and I've seen a photographer friends 8 by 10's real promising. It's taking a lot to get me of Rodinal. That fact that I can only get locally the very small bottles helps. Interestingly the toxic aspect it says in the book might not be the case. Ascorbic acid and Phenidone was oversold as being benign in that department so don't be dipping your hands in it all the time or think its kool aid. But I'm putting most of my eggs in this basket. I realize that my whole post here is weakened by that fact that you are asking for "developing and printing experience" and I'm well read but on square one with the stuff. As far as printing goes Xtol is a neg not print developer but printing with Ascorbic acid derivatives is the thing behind the new Neutol that you get from Agfa which could be great stuff to replace Dektol. I think of it as Xtol for prints. Mark Rabiner D Khong says you can't get Xtol in Singapore yet!