Xtol has been my developer of choice for a long time. I love the look of the negatives and I generally use it in 1:1 dilution. Find that a really good one shot developer combo.
I've used XTOL since its introduction. Just want to mention that XTOL keeps for a full year in full glass bottles, using some at that age now, and it's producing quality negatives with HP5+.
I bought a 5L packet of XTOL three years ago and only made up the stock solution yesterday. The packets were well sealed and I don't see any reason it should be downgraded. Fingers crossed anyway. I'll soon find out... Prior to this I was mostly using D-76, with excursions into caffinol just to try it out. I was getting a bit fed up with the graininess of many films, I'm not a fan of grain at all, so hoping the XTOL will combat that.
@@TheManFrayBentos yeah it should still be good! You can do a snip test and cut off a piece of film and make sure it develops. If it turns black after a few minutes you should be good. If you’re not too big on grain, I would stick to the Tmax films! Much finer grain and they pair well with XTOL. XTOL will yield finer grain than d76 but it’s not gonna be so night and day as d76 is also a solvent developer.
I come from the old days of film and d76, but have recently returned to film and use HC110. Will have to give this a try. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Cheers!
Same here. I preferred D76 back in the day. I’ve recently restarted film and I’m using HC110 because of its reported long shelf. Now that I’ve been educating myself more I’d like to try XTOL. It would be doubtful if I’ll ever finish the the HC110 any time soon so I’m gonna have to consider having two developers. Well maybe 3 developers because I’d also like to try two part developer too. Thanks for the video.
@@Vintage35MM you’re welcome! HC-110 does last a long time on the shelf so I think you’re ok to experiment with another one simultaneously. XTOL last about 6 months on the shelf tho so it’s a decent amount of time.
I'm a rodinal guy... But I have experimented with xtol and I must say I like it a lot... I mix xtol using a scale for each development... Why mix up 5 liters and watch it go bad before it's used?
It's imho probably the overall best developer - especially because it's a bit more environment friendly and less "poisonous" than most other developers. If you ignore this aspect and look only at the result, 510 Pyro might be the very best developer.
Lately I’ve been seeing examples of certain films which do not go well with Xtol.. namely Neopan Acros & Acros II. That being said, I’ve just recently ordered more Xtol..
Yeah it’s like acutance overload when you combine those two. Acros does just fine with HC110 or even rodinal. I tried XTOL with Acros this year thinking I’d unlock this holy grail of sharpness and detail but it turned out weird.
I am shocked I never stumbled on your channel before. It looks like xtol brought us together🙂. I have just received a bag of Adox XT3 which is supposed to be a cleaner version. Your various videos seem to confirm it is the developer I was after. Thanks
It’s a small channel still.. for now :) but yeah I do love XTOL. The results are great every time. The fine grain, still plenty of sharpness, it’s just great. And the speed increase is pretty cool to experiment with. Thanks for watching!
I switched to ID-11 from D-76 a few years back and have been super happy with that and the occasional Microphen usage when pushing Delta 3200, but I’ll have to give this a try. I’ve been mixing 5L batches of ID-11 for a while now so having the same amount in Xtol would would work out great.
If you like shooting Delta 3200 I think you’ll enjoy XTOL. I’ve seen great results with the high speed films and not crazy graininess. I know some people like that sandy look, which can be ok for certain things but generally it’s too much for me. Lmk if you try it!
Someone should tell him that D-76 and ID-11 are exactly the same developer. If he is "super happy" with that switch, it's probable that he is using a different dilution and developing time with the ID-11. Xtol is fundamentally different from both and should give him a better result by most objective standards of comparison, although that difference is not likely to be overwhelming. He would find much the same improvement with most of the newer formula based on phenidone and sodium ascorbate.
Perhaps a silly question, but what would happen if you carefully halved the contents of the bag and sealed it within a few seconds? Would the remaining content be usable after six months?
It might be ok! You could probably weigh out half and make a smaller amount but due to the components of the mixtures I’m wondering if it’d be in correct proportions when you do that. I imagine it oxidizes pretty easily tho.
Gallon size is a very big problem outside of the US. It is practically impossible to get any containers of this size. 5 liters is easier, as containers of this size are very common in Europe, and the rest of the world using metric system.
I like XTOL because it can give box speed, relatively fine grain with most film, and reasonable sharpness when diluted 1+1 , but the accutance is not as high as HC110. HC 110 or its equivalent Ilford HC, need about 1/3~1/2 stop extra exposure for the shadows, it is the developer of choice for me.
@@TheNegative It doesn't really matter. People get up-in-arms about their processes. Many have been doing this for eons and settle on what they like, from years of trial and error... but the variables are nearly endless. I think XTOL has had a marginal rep for a long time as a lab-only chem, partially cuz of volume, partially cut it's so *relatively* new. But I think that stigma is very much wearing off. As a sort of "you-can-only-have-one" developer I really think it *is* the "goat" ... it's so flexible, good looking, cheap, and non-temperamental. I'd bet more n shooters will try it out and see. At least those that don't enjoy the tinkering as much. (Not to say you can't do a fair bit of tinkering with XTOL itself though.) Great stuff.
Hello, I would give HC-110 a try. It also lasts a long time on the shelf and it’s grain is finer than rodinal. Not exactly a fine grain developer but it’s less grainy than rodinal for sure.
HC-110 is the developer I use most often. There are some films though, that don't work well with this developer. One example is Fomapan 200. You can get acceptable negatives with very dilute solutions, such as dilution H, but D-76 and even Rodinal work better for this film. But for most films, HC-110 is great.
@@frequentlycynical642 HC-110 is still available. There were some issues with availability, but it seems to be back in market. When Tetenal went bankrupt, there were issues with many brands of developers. There are also very similar developers in the market, such as Ilford's Ilfottec HC, and Bellini Euro HC. They are practically identicat to Kodak's HC-110.
GOAT? You're saying the best ever is like a farmyard animal? When you adopt cringeworthy slang, you become cringeworthy as well. Use ATB or "the UP" but leave the goat in the barn.
Greatest of all time is a popular saying in the United States. it’s often seen written as G.O.A.T. For short. Coincidentally it has the same letters as the animal. Sorry for the confusion!!
Xtol has been my developer of choice for a long time. I love the look of the negatives and I generally use it in 1:1 dilution. Find that a really good one shot developer combo.
I always love my XTOL negatives! Can’t go wrong with it!
I've used XTOL since its introduction. Just want to mention that XTOL keeps for a full year in full glass bottles, using some at that age now, and it's producing quality negatives with HP5+.
Adox XT-3 is really good. Sold in powder for preparing 1 liter mix which is better than Kodak's 5l packaging.
I bought a 5L packet of XTOL three years ago and only made up the stock solution yesterday. The packets were well sealed and I don't see any reason it should be downgraded. Fingers crossed anyway. I'll soon find out...
Prior to this I was mostly using D-76, with excursions into caffinol just to try it out. I was getting a bit fed up with the graininess of many films, I'm not a fan of grain at all, so hoping the XTOL will combat that.
@@TheManFrayBentos yeah it should still be good! You can do a snip test and cut off a piece of film and make sure it develops. If it turns black after a few minutes you should be good.
If you’re not too big on grain, I would stick to the Tmax films! Much finer grain and they pair well with XTOL. XTOL will yield finer grain than d76 but it’s not gonna be so night and day as d76 is also a solvent developer.
At 1:5 45m as a starting point, it does stand dev quite well.
I come from the old days of film and d76, but have recently returned to film and use HC110. Will have to give this a try. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Cheers!
Exact same story.
For me, the ability to mix a small batch at a time and the open bottle able to last a million years ,makes me stay away from mixes.
That’s one of my favorite things about concentrates! I really do love that ability.
You’re welcome!
I think you can’t go wrong having a good concentrate on the shelf but if I had to pick a favorite, I really like XTOL.
Same here. I preferred D76 back in the day. I’ve recently restarted film and I’m using HC110 because of its reported long shelf. Now that I’ve been educating myself more I’d like to try XTOL. It would be doubtful if I’ll ever finish the the HC110 any time soon so I’m gonna have to consider having two developers. Well maybe 3 developers because I’d also like to try two part developer too. Thanks for the video.
@@Vintage35MM you’re welcome! HC-110 does last a long time on the shelf so I think you’re ok to experiment with another one simultaneously. XTOL last about 6 months on the shelf tho so it’s a decent amount of time.
I'm a rodinal guy... But I have experimented with xtol and I must say I like it a lot... I mix xtol using a scale for each development... Why mix up 5 liters and watch it go bad before it's used?
It's imho probably the overall best developer - especially because it's a bit more environment friendly and less "poisonous" than most other developers. If you ignore this aspect and look only at the result, 510 Pyro might be the very best developer.
Lately I’ve been seeing examples of certain films which do not go well with Xtol.. namely Neopan Acros & Acros II. That being said, I’ve just recently ordered more Xtol..
Yeah it’s like acutance overload when you combine those two. Acros does just fine with HC110 or even rodinal. I tried XTOL with Acros this year thinking I’d unlock this holy grail of sharpness and detail but it turned out weird.
I am shocked I never stumbled on your channel before. It looks like xtol brought us together🙂. I have just received a bag of Adox XT3 which is supposed to be a cleaner version. Your various videos seem to confirm it is the developer I was after. Thanks
It’s a small channel still.. for now :) but yeah I do love XTOL. The results are great every time. The fine grain, still plenty of sharpness, it’s just great. And the speed increase is pretty cool to experiment with. Thanks for watching!
I switched to ID-11 from D-76 a few years back and have been super happy with that and the occasional Microphen usage when pushing Delta 3200, but I’ll have to give this a try. I’ve been mixing 5L batches of ID-11 for a while now so having the same amount in Xtol would would work out great.
If you like shooting Delta 3200 I think you’ll enjoy XTOL. I’ve seen great results with the high speed films and not crazy graininess. I know some people like that sandy look, which can be ok for certain things but generally it’s too much for me. Lmk if you try it!
@@TheNegative I've used xtol-r with delta 3200 and like the results. However, the developing times are loooong
@@jonnoMoto oof! I’m not a huge fan of long dev times! If I can get away with a shorter one I always try to.
Someone should tell him that D-76 and ID-11 are exactly the same developer. If he is "super happy" with that switch, it's probable that he is using a different dilution and developing time with the ID-11. Xtol is fundamentally different from both and should give him a better result by most objective standards of comparison, although that difference is not likely to be overwhelming. He would find much the same improvement with most of the newer formula based on phenidone and sodium ascorbate.
@@randallstewart1224 Exactly lol
Very, very good video. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Perhaps a silly question, but what would happen if you carefully halved the contents of the bag and sealed it within a few seconds? Would the remaining content be usable after six months?
It might be ok! You could probably weigh out half and make a smaller amount but due to the components of the mixtures I’m wondering if it’d be in correct proportions when you do that.
I imagine it oxidizes pretty easily tho.
@@TheNegative Due to the ascorbate, oxidation is minimal to none. And you can be sure that Kodak mixes all the dry ingredients throroughly.
Yes it is , but it’s a pain in the ass to mix in small bottles. It should come in a gallon packet like d76
Gallon size is a very big problem outside of the US. It is practically impossible to get any containers of this size. 5 liters is easier, as containers of this size are very common in Europe, and the rest of the world using metric system.
I like XTOL because it can give box speed, relatively fine grain with most film, and reasonable sharpness when diluted 1+1 , but the accutance is not as high as HC110. HC 110 or its equivalent Ilford HC, need about 1/3~1/2 stop extra exposure for the shadows, it is the developer of choice for me.
Yeah the sharpness doesn’t have that “bite” that an acutance developer does but it’s still sharp enough. :)
Yes (is the answer to this question). :)
I like XTOL a lot! That video ruffled some feathers but I totally meant for it to be taken with a grain of salt! Hahah.
@@TheNegative It doesn't really matter. People get up-in-arms about their processes. Many have been doing this for eons and settle on what they like, from years of trial and error... but the variables are nearly endless. I think XTOL has had a marginal rep for a long time as a lab-only chem, partially cuz of volume, partially cut it's so *relatively* new. But I think that stigma is very much wearing off. As a sort of "you-can-only-have-one" developer I really think it *is* the "goat" ... it's so flexible, good looking, cheap, and non-temperamental. I'd bet more n shooters will try it out and see. At least those that don't enjoy the tinkering as much. (Not to say you can't do a fair bit of tinkering with XTOL itself though.) Great stuff.
I love Xtol, but I switched to Legacy Pro Eco Pro. It's an Xtol clone for less money. It gives me the same results as Xtol though.
I just recently found out about that one! I'm gonna have to pick that one up next!
hey there.
What would you recommend if you´re just looking for long shelf life?
im currently on rodinal, but bot really happy with the grain
thanks :D
Hello,
I would give HC-110 a try. It also lasts a long time on the shelf and it’s grain is finer than rodinal. Not exactly a fine grain developer but it’s less grainy than rodinal for sure.
HC-110 is the G.O.A.T in my opinion. It can do it all.
That’s true! Can’t go wrong with HC! It’s the developer we used in my beginning darkroom class.
It was never intended for small format film, so there is that grain issue in 35mm. And I believe it is no longer available?
HC-110 is the developer I use most often. There are some films though, that don't work well with this developer. One example is Fomapan 200. You can get acceptable negatives with very dilute solutions, such as dilution H, but D-76 and even Rodinal work better for this film. But for most films, HC-110 is great.
@@frequentlycynical642 HC-110 is still available. There were some issues with availability, but it seems to be back in market. When Tetenal went bankrupt, there were issues with many brands of developers. There are also very similar developers in the market, such as Ilford's Ilfottec HC, and Bellini Euro HC. They are practically identicat to Kodak's HC-110.
GOAT? You're saying the best ever is like a farmyard animal? When you adopt cringeworthy slang, you become cringeworthy as well. Use ATB or "the UP" but leave the goat in the barn.
Greatest of all time is a popular saying in the United States. it’s often seen written as G.O.A.T. For short. Coincidentally it has the same letters as the animal. Sorry for the confusion!!
@@TheNegative No, I understand that. But of all the acronyms, what fool decided this one, and why do you enable it's usage?
@@linjicakonikon7666 Muscle car Pontiak GTO was called "goat" in early sixties, if I'm not wrong. And its cool car, that started muscle car era.
the internet never disappoints. there is always at least one.
@@sbarronmd Probably the same fool who does word play with camera names