Kodak Xtol
According to Google Gemini, the pros & cons of Kodak Xtol developer are:
Pros
- Fine Grain and High Sharpness: XTOL is renowned for producing images with exceptional fine grain and high sharpness, especially when used with slower films.
- Versatility: It can be used for a wide range of film stocks, including both traditional and modern films.
- Push and Pull Processing: XTOL can handle push and pull processing, allowing you to adjust film speed and contrast.
- Long Shelf Life: The powder form of XTOL has a long shelf life.
- Non-Toxic: XTOL is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly developer.
Cons
- Mixing Time and Precision: Mixing XTOL can be time-consuming and requires precise measurements.
- Potential for "Sudden Death": If not stored and handled correctly, XTOL can experience a sudden loss of activity.
- Lower Contrast: Compared to some other developers, XTOL may produce lower contrast, which can be desirable for certain types of photography but may require additional printing or scanning adjustments.
- Can Be Mushy with Some Films: Some photographers find that XTOL can produce a slightly "mushy" or less sharp appearance with certain film stocks, particularly faster films.
From my own experience, Xtol was easy to work with and its versatility shines. Below are some of the examples using Xtol in different scenarios:
1) Details
HP5plus, 135, shot in asa 800
Xtoll, 1+1 dilution
5 min pre-soak with water
11min development
No image editing
Dim & uneven lighting location
2) Details
Acros100, 135, shot in asa 100
Xtoll, stock
5 min pre-soak with water
7min development
Minimum image editing
3) Details
100Tmax, 120, shot in asa 80
Xtoll, 1+2 w/ Rodinal as cocktail
5 min pre-soak with water
5min development
Minimum image editing
Outdoor shooting location
(** The above images were produced to demonstrate the effects of different film, developer, and processing combinations, not to showcase artistic or aesthetic qualities.)
As you can see, Kodak Xtol is a versatile developer, compatible with many films and processes. If you're interested in developing your own film, Xtol is a great choice.
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