About xtol

Cool! Yes, they are reusable. Just rinse out after every batch. To pry off the tap, I just used a plain table/butter knife. It's easiest to clean the bladder if you remove it from the box - obviously the bladder has to be empty before you remove it. This avoids accidentally soaking the cardboard box and thus weakening it as you fill and empty with water repeatedly to cleanse it.

Once you it is clean, replace it back into the box and re-seat the cardboard "door" surrounding the bladder opening. Now fill carefully and replace the valve. You're good to go.
 
Znerken said:
If I throw it after 6 months, will I make the chance of the developer going bad really low?

I think I will make the go!
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Not sure if I understand your question correctly, but as mentioned I have used up to 12 months old Xtol with success. The amount of volume is irrelevant when you use the wine bladder, because when used correctly there should be no air in it, whether it contains the full 5 liters or just 500 or 250 cc of liquid. Use de-min water and do not shake the container. Use a stirring rod instead and take your time when dissolving the powder.
For peace of mind I test Xtol that is older than 6 months before using it.

The test is explained here

scroll down to "Making Sure Your Xtol Hasn't Gone Bad"
 
joeswe said:
Not sure if I understand your question correctly, but as mentioned I have used up to 12 months old Xtol with success. The amount of volume is irrelevant when you use the wine bladder, because when used correctly there should be no air in it, whether it contains the full 5 liters or just 500 or 250 cc of liquid. Use de-min water and do not shake the container. Use a stirring rod instead and take your time when dissolving the powder.
For peace of mind I test Xtol that is older than 6 months before using it.

The test is explained here

scroll down to "Making Sure Your Xtol Hasn't Gone Bad"
Click to expand...


My question was: If I throw out my XTOL and mix up a new one after 6 months, will the chance of having a XTOL going bad be very low? Don't want to be stressed about whether the developer will work or not.
 
Znerken said:
My question was: If I throw out my XTOL and mix up a new one after 6 months, will the chance of having a XTOL going bad be very low?
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IMHO: yes, if mixed and stored carefully. I use mine well over 12 months. I get a bit anxious, but i haven't lost a single roll due to the dreaded sudden death so far.
As always, YMMV.
K
 
wallace said:
Coffenol is worth a try.
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A bolder statement than I usually make, but here goes: if xtol's fine grain is important to the OP, then no, caffenol is not worth a try. I invested a lot of time in caffenol and did get good tonality, but never came close to the smoothness of gradation and controlled grain of xtol.
 
If you want to keep Xtol alive forever, replenish it. I've used it that way in the past, and kept the same tank going for over two years. For this to work well, it needs at least a couple of rolls a week. If the black glop in the bottom of the bottle offends you, filter it.
 
harpofreely said:
A bolder statement than I usually make, but here goes: if xtol's fine grain is important to the OP, then no, caffenol is not worth a try. I invested a lot of time in caffenol and did get good tonality, but never came close to the smoothness of gradation and controlled grain of xtol.
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That's good to know. I've always admired the tonality of caffenol, but viewing low res web images doesn't fully convey the grain structure and quality. Since I sometimes shoot 4x5, I could use it for large format. But ... why? I can get similar if not identical tonality with other developers. I like to stick to a very few tested, tried and true developers - it makes my life easier.

Not intending to be combative at all, but since the OP specifically asked for information about XTol, suggestions for other developers are a wee bit off topic.
 
I received my XTOL today. For some strange reason it says "for commercial and industrial use only"? Is this normal?

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Znerken said:
I received my XTOL today. For some strange reason it says "for commercial and industrial use only"? Is this normal?
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I will drive down to State Street this morning and ask! :)

I never noticed this before, no police or regulatory officials ever showed up at my house when I used it.
 
Trius said:
Not intending to be combative at all, but since the OP specifically asked for information about XTol, suggestions for other developers are a wee bit off topic.
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I only mentioned coffenol because it is likely the most health friendly solution.
I love Xtol!
 
im almost out of HC110. I should make the switch back to xtol.

just gotta get through some crappy box wine. I had no idea you could pry off the tap..
 
There is always a safety risk mixing powder chess. Risk is small. Wear a mask or mix outside.

The idea is to limit how much powder goes into the air. Mix in a circular container with long stirrer and pour in slowly just just over the surface. Technique is cut a small corner off the bag.

When mixing your own chems, use small spoonfuls or reweighed ingredients.

D23 is an easy start.
 
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