I've been playing with Dixactol and like it very much, especially with partial stand dev....I'm using it as a one bath developer, 2ml=A sol'n, 12-14ml.=B sol'n in 600ml water...I'm curious as to the B sol'n,...I've heard it's Pot. Carbonate, it's a bit expensive ordering only the B sol'n. as it's used up more quickly than A sol'n...I would like to mix my own B sol'n, does anyone have some suggestions on the B sol'n content and the amount I would need to make 1 liter...thanks, Jack

-- Jack G (amg223@aol.com), March 04, 2001

Answers

I just completed a test with Dixactol and Delta 400. I used the two- bath method. The negatives look great but I was expecting more stain that I got. The tests indicate that 200 ISO is where I need to be when I shoot the film normally. I am curious as to the amount of stain that you got and the benefits of one-bath vs two-bath.

I wish I could advise you on the formula for B solution. Good luck.

Bob

-- Bob Bedwell (rlb@triad.rr.com), March 04, 2001.

Jack, I agree that the price of DiXactol's "B" solution is excessive, particularly when you consider how cheap the chemical is. That chemical, used to make solution DiXactol "B," is Sodium Hydroxide.

There are two reasons for my conclusion: One, adding vinegar to DiXactol "B" does not produce a fizz; with either pot. or sod. carbonate, vinegar will fizz. Two, neither carbonate turns the mixed developer purple, but sodium hydroxide does. Also, sodium hydroxide induces greater stain than any alkaline I've tested, even pot. carbonate at 100%.

Given DiXactol's mix ratio, I'd say it's about a 1-3% solution (1- 3g/1L) sodium hydroxide and distilled water. If that's not correct, now that you know the chemical, a little testing will narrow it down.

Incidentally, the primary ingredients in DiXactol's "A" solution are Catechol and Glycin. I've done considerable testing with a formulation of my own, with which I've seen stunning results. I will be happy to share my findings with anyone who cares to write me. And soon, when I'm fully satisfied with the results, I will publish the formula and processing details. Right now, I can say without hesitation, my formulation yields sharpness, tightness of grain and tonality (especially in the midrange values) that exceeds anything I've ever seen--including DiXactol and my old standby, PMK. Ted

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), May 25, 2001.