Re: [Leica] New Delta 400 in XTOL

[henry <henry@henryambrose.com>]

Malcolm,

Tell me more about your experiences with DiXactol.
I've been trying different films (especially new Delta 400) in it. I'm 
getting only fair results overall, kinda grainy but spectacular highlight 
compensation. I've only done the 2 bath so far.

Any tips?

Henry Ambrose

>Simon Stevens asked about Delta 400 (as opposed to 400 Delta) in XTOL.
>So far I have used D400 with DD-X 1+4 (EI 500 to 1600), Resofine (EI 400), 
>DiXactol single bath (EI 400) and XTOL 1+1 and 1+3 (EI 800). Perceptol 1+3 
>will be next at EI 320.
>
>My XTOL times were 11.5 mins at 1+1 agitated every minute and 19 mins at 1+3 
>agitated every 3 minutes. I used 175 ml of stock per film for the 1+3 tests 
>and left enough room in the tank for the dev to drain completely off the 
>reels when inverted.
>
>All the snaps were of people in 'normal' room lighting. I metered for the 
>skin tones and let the shadows fall where they may.
>The results with both XTOL dilutions were remarkably fine grained. The 1+3 
>had noticeably better control of the highlights (eg shine on bald pates). 
>Highlight separation seems to be the hurdle with D400. Shadow detail and 
>separation is good. Next I will try XTOL 1+5 applied directly to the bald 
>heads.
>
>At EI 1600 I prefer D400 to D3200 for both grain and speed (both in DD-X 
>1+4).
>
>Based on the results of my tests I will be swapping to D400 from HP5+ when I 
>need 800 to 1600. The jury is still out on whether D400 will also replace my 
>favourite APX400 in DiXactol at 320.