When XP-1 film was introduced, Ilford made a processing kit which produced slightly sharper but grainer negatives than straight C-41 processing. Does anyone know what the developer was, and has it been tried with XP-2 Super?

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), December 22, 2000

Answers

XP-1 developer was C-41 developer which mixed to working strength was pretty much C-41 developer 1:1, used at a five-minute development time. That dilution plus intermittent agitation gave slightly higher acutance.

BTW, it would develop color C-41 film ok too.

For experimentation, I'd suggest simply diluting C-41 developer 1:1 and giving it five minutes development. That should be in the ballpark.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), December 22, 2000.

Thanks, JOhn.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), December 22, 2000.

Be sure to let me know if it works ok.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), December 23, 2000.

I have several old XP-1 developing kits that have never been opened. I have no idea how well they keep, but you are welcome to them if you would like to experiment.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edb@unblinkingeye.com), December 24, 2000.

Thanks Ed. Shipping address follows by private email. I'll report back.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), December 24, 2000.

I raised this question with Ilford themselves when they stopped making their own kit. They didn't even bother to answer. I feel that Photocolor II is not as sharp as the Ilford kit although perhaps the tonal range is better - but that may be an illusion. With regard to unopened kits - our local supplier had one on his shelf for two years - I peeled off the price sticker and it had to rises !! I didn't buy it. Good luck I hope it's ok but the thought of a hard won collection of pictures being underdeveloped would put me off. I'll give you an award for bravery.

-- Anthony Brookes (gdz00@lineone.net), December 24, 2000.

XP-1 developer should have about the same storage characteristics as C-41 developer. I believe it was discontinued just a couple of years after XP-2 film came on the market, so it's pretty ancient by now.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), December 24, 2000.