Despite all the horror stories about XTOL, it has been touted sufficiently that I am considering giving it a try. Apparently it come packaged in two parts. Is is possible to use it as a two-bath developer? TIA.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), July 10, 2000

Answers

Hello Bill!

As far as I can suspect, the small bag does contain the developing agents while the big bag contains all the Na-Sulfite and the borate/carbonate. What you do need is developing agents and roughly 50 g Na-Sulfite in Bath A and borate/carbonate plus some Na-Sulfite in Bath B. Simply splitting the bags will not do the job. But you may mix Mytol, like I do, which is preety close to Xtol. By mixing yourself you can split Mytol into 2 Bath dev. (http://www.jetcity.com/~mrjones/index.htm, look for film dev.) Since regular Xtol has a rather low pH, it might be difficult to prevent bath A from developing.

I do use Xtol 1:1 as a universal developer, like developing Neopan 1600, Kodak HIE and another film at the same time. For 2-bath I use split D-76 for normal speed from classic emulsions and contrast control and Emofin for push 1-2 stops while keeping fine grain.

And by mixing Mytol I do not have to worry about caked part A and so on. Get the ascorbic acid from the drug store, if it is good enough for eating it should be okay for developing.

Kind regards,

Wolfram

-- Wolfram Kollig (kollig@ipfdd.de), July 11, 2000.