Hi David,
I'll look for the data sheet. And I'll ask a friend for help if I'm going to develop it at home. After all, I haven't developed any roll yet all by myself.
The lab I use has three developers. Xtol is their default developer, then Microdol X and another Kodak developer which I forgot. Every time I ask specifically the technician to use Microdol X. I have developed many rolls of film there, most of which are concert photos, shot with Neopan 1600 or Delta 3200 at 800, 1600 or 3200. I have noticed that the highlights are somehow better preserved with Microdol X. The images also have a sweet softness. However Xtol seems to be able to produce images with larger middle gray area. I'm saying it with my limited scan skill, absence of wet printing experience and knowledge of other developers.
Microdol-X is a fantastic developer for reducing grain. I used to use it for portraits, but I switched to larger format film for that. One thing it does, though, is dissolve the grain and reduce the acutance (this creates a softer image). It is not known for pushing properties.
I would ask if they can push it in Xtol. (it looks like 10 minutes, by the way). I would also ask what they recommend. It is certainly possible to get good results, with minimal compression (contrast increase) at EI6400.
Most labs I have contacted in Paris have this inspection method for B&W development, none for color. And I was actually thinking of sending it to a better lab (the most expansive one in Paris I think) which has Microphen.
This is somewhat surprising. One thing to remember about this method: film is sensitive to the light that is being used for inspection. The color of the light is chosen because of the sensitivity of the eye, not because of the sensitivity of the film.
As far as I know, you cannot do this with color processing.
I should have started developing my own films quite a while ago. The only reason I delay it every time is that I don't like taking test photos, and as such, every roll is important as they are my memories. I should better start soon before the expenses catch up the price of a Summicron. And I can never consider myself a true photographer without the ability to develop my own films.
You can save an enormous amount of time (delay) and money if you develop your own film. Also, you don't worry about it once you get the hang of it. Also, it is fun. You may find that you shoot more when the cost goes down to about $2-4 / roll, including the price of the film. (It costs very little, maybe $0.50, to develop a roll of film myself. Plus my time, of course).
One thing (and I wish I had known this when I started): One shot developing is the way to go for home use. You always get consistent results. Also, liquids mix easier than solids.
