Response to x-tol

I'd suggest starting out with Xtol 1:1 or 1:2 for most films. IMHO those dilutions result in the best speed/grain/acutance tradeoffs. You should expect to see lower acutance than you're used to with Rodinal, but it won't be mushy, and you'll get finer grain. Actual resolution will be significantly higher. General opinion is that Xtol straight has the least speed and biggest grain; 1:1 and 1:2 are the sweet spots, while 1:3 requires too much volume in order to avoid capacity problems, development times are rather long, and there aren't any benefits to make that dilution worthwhile. On that note, beware that you need to use 100ml Xtol stock per 80 sq in (roll) no matter what dilution. I like Xtol 1:1 for Delta 100, Delta 400 and HP5+, also Xtol 1:2 for HP5+, and especially Xtol 1:2 for TMZ. Full rated speed for all except the TMZ; it's EI 1600, 15'/76F continuous agitation in Xtol 1:2.

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