Xtol & 100ml Minimum per 80 sq inch

[bwcolor]

Older Kodak data sheets show dilutions greater than one part Xtol + one part water. Prior data sheets showed greater dilutions, but also there is a warning not to use less than 100ml of Xtol per roll. I am about to develop two 35mmx36 rolls in 500ml tank. So, with 1+3 I have only 125ml of Xtol per two rolls, 1+2 166ml per two rolls. Both dilutions are listed on older Kodak data sheets for Neopan 1600, but neither meet the 100ml minimum, which I assume is the reason that only 1+1 is listed on current Kodak publications. (Of course Kodak mistakenly uses "1:1", but then defines as being what is commonly referred to as 1+1 dilution)

What is up with 1+2 and 1+3? It was a valid manufacturers recommendation for years.

 

[Trius]

I've seen samples from 1+2 and 1+3 that look good, but I don't know if the processing was carried out in a larger tank with extra solution or not. You could either do that, or sacrifice a test roll without extra solution.

 

[bwcolor]

Yes, I also have seen folks posting images with greater than 1+1 dilution and that is why I was looking for data on 1+2 and 1+3.

I was hoping to try it with some better understanding of what was going on. I have downloaded earlier Kodak times for small tanks, but find it odd that they would publish these dilutions and then basically tell us that there isn't enough developer to make it work.

When going for Xtol off-label high dilutions such as 1+3, do I want to agitate more than usual, or any other safeguards, or did Kodak simply decide that it wanted to make more money by having us use more developer?

 

[Freakscene]

At the German kodak site, look at "Entwicklung in der Dose mit frischem, verdünntem Entwickler" here: http://wwwfr.kodak.com/AT/plugins/acrobat/de/professional/xtolEntwickler.pdf

The 1+2 and 1+3 recommendations are still there. I use Xtol 1+3 all the time. Kodak stopped recommending those dilutions primarily because they don't work so well with some films (TMX was the most widely reported one).

Marty

 

[bwcolor]

I ran a couple of rolls at 1+1. I'll try greater dilution next time around..thx

 

[Turtle]

I use 1+2 and still ensure that I have 100ml or more per roll. I usually do 5 rolls in a paterson tank with 1500ml solution = 500ml Xtol stock. When doing two rolls in a 650ml tank, I have well over 100 ml per roll. I don't use 1+3 and FWIW I think 1+2 gives a little extra bite over 1+1. Grain is a little crunchier and more distinct, removing the slight softness that Xtol can have at 1+1 with some films.

 

[bwcolor]

So, that is how it is done. I suspected as much. Of course, less than 100ml/roll probably works with some film. I need to pickup a greater range of tanks. Right now I just have two and four roll (35mm) stainless tanks. I haven't seen larger in stainless.

 

[Freakscene]

Less than 100 mL/roll appears to work okay with non T-grain or epitaxial films. I've had problems getting enough development with Delta 3200 and TMZ in Xtol 1+2 or 1+3 in Paterson tanks (270 mL developer / roll). But no problems with anything else.

Almost everything here: http://gallery.leica-users.org/main.php?g2_itemId=7617 with the notable exception of "Sculpture garden, The National Gallery, Canberra" (replenished straight Xtol) and the colour shots (obviously) was developed in Xtol 1+3.

Marty