Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have finally got some prints done from my first dabbelings in Xtol 1:2 and 1:3. I though my grain focuser was broken when I tried focusing from a pan F Neg with a 7X and 9X magnifaction. I had to find a zipper in the image to pull it off (that's a good one!). I'll admit I'm used to Rodinal 1:50. I think the only reason the images look softer than the Rodinal is because there is no grain pattern to give you that effect. I looks 5 to 10 percent less sharp but I have a feeling it my be in reality only 2 percent less sharp than Rodinal. Plenty sharp enough considering the gradation is excellent and the grain astounding. I also printed some tri X shot on location at the same magnification and it was almost the same thing. I could just make out a grain pattern. In the dry Multigrade RC prints the grain is not there. I recleaned my Nikkor lenses and dreamed about the Apo Schneider and so on. Tri X so grainless it looks like Agfapan 25 or Pan F in Rodinal (in between the two to really be specific). I'm telling you guys and gals this Xtol thing puts us in a new ball game. It's enough to inspire you back to darkroom work if you have been out for a while. That and an Aristo VC Head. Mark Rabiner