Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I'm not sure what point there is in diluting any further than 1:1. In >fact, if you use a Jobo you really can't go any more dilute than 1:1 or >you won't have enough stock developer to actually develop the film. See >the Kodak web pages for more details on this. >[snip] >Rolfe Tessem 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. 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 - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html