Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/06/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Richard, You should also consider storing your Xtol stock solution in an accordian bottle at the least. Oxygen and Xtol are not good to mix so a partially full bottle will lead to eventual failure. Just guessing, but I suspect that Xtol's failure curve is not linear. This would explain the failures. If it was a straight line curve then with most amateur use the second roll would not be quite so dense as the first and a careful worker would notice and either correct practice or develop an increase time/roll count through the developer. But, if we assume a non linear exhaustion curve then all is well until a certain point at which time no development takes place. So, I would suggest extremely good darkroom/chemical practice. Start with distilled water or water from Portland Oregon especially Mark Rabinor's sink. Mix at the lowest temperature that all will go into solution and for the shortest time with minimal stirring or at least stir with the least foaming. Immediately store in air tight bottles made out of material that passes no gasses especially oxygen. For total security acquire small brown glass bottles that equal one typical mix. (I get along fine with a 1 gallon and a 1 quart accordian jug) Dilute just prior to use in distilled water and use immediately. The hype on distilled water is due to a fairly widespread appearance of small nasties on negatives mixed with tap water. From Brian's experience Silicone Valley has suspect water for Xtol. Xtol is a wonderful developer, but like so much of modern goods, greater care and precision is required to make us of the improved abilities. I think that is why very stable developers like Rodinal, HC110, and Diafine still sell well: they do not require quite the care in use in return for not quite the capabilities. Thanks for reading the novella but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express... Don don.dory@gmail.com On 6/13/06, Richard <richard-lists@imagecraft.com> wrote: > > I am on the end of my Xtol batch, this is the 3rd 5 liter batch I am > using, > I believe, and... > > you go it, the $#%$^ Xtol sudden failure. Arrgggghhhhh > > I *should* buy a lottery ticket, may be my luck will change... > > // richard (This email is for mailing lists. To reach me directly, please > use richard at imagecraft.com) > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >