Response to Microdol X - How does this product compare to xtol?

Orman, I found Tmax developed in Tmax developer to be short on tonal range with highlights blocked. Stephen Anchell and Bill Troop write in the Film Developing Cookbook that micro-contrast can be too high in tabular grain films since the lateral dimensions of flat tab grains do not scatter light as well as conventional grains. When there is an abrupt change in exposure level, there is a tendency to high contrast in micro areas. The visual result is high sharpness but poor gradation. They recommend XTOL for T-Max films at 1:3. The dilute development should aid the highlight issue however I have not tried this combo of film and developer.

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