I have used X-tol off and on for the last two years. I had a failure 2 years ago while processing tri-x. Since then I have used it only on those occasions where I use TMX (backpacking, since this is the only BW film in readyloads). T-xol is about the only developer that I like in combination with TMX.

I use it 1:3 and have never, knock on wood, had any failures. I have used both the 1liter and 5 liter packages. I mix at 100 degrees, distilled water and use the HP Combi, so I always have plenty of developer.

Is the dreaded X-tol failure still a big problem?

-- Eric Verheul (everheul@cnetech.com), May 21, 2002

Answers

I have never had an XTOL failure with either 5 litre or 1 litre packages, although I did receive some 5 litre pkgs with the hard, caked powder which I returned for new. Have always mixed and dilluted with distilled water up to 1-3. have also been experimenting with adding Rodinal, as per Rodinal article at unblinkingeye.com.

I Use it with various Ilford and Kodak films in a JOBO. It is probably my most used developer for roll film and second to Rollo- Pyro for sheets.

-- James Chinn (JChinn2@dellepro.com), May 21, 2002.

Eric,

I never had a failure either, and I almost always used the 1:3 dilution (with HP5+ mostly).

-- Dave Karp (davekarp@ix.netcom.com), May 21, 2002.

Never had a failure.I did use 5 ltr packs which are no longer available locally & have just bought some 1 ltr packs(the ones that had problems!!I really like the developer & will not change unless I have problems.BTW I use it with Delta 400 ,a wonderfull combination.

-- Melvin (bramley@nanaimo.ark.com), May 21, 2002.

I have authored a couple of threads regarding Xtol failures in the past. Since Kodak replaced my earlier 1 litre packages of developer with new ones manufactured in Nov of 2001, I have not had any more failures and my confidence in the material is slowly being restored. I think it's a great developer although I personally have had trouble with air bells using it. I have not had a similar problem with any other developer in the 20 years I've been developing film. A prewet seems to solve the problem. Ilford does not recommend prewetting film as it washed out the built in wetting agent thereby risking uneven development.

-- Bill Lester (wlester@lesterconstruction.com), May 22, 2002.

I have not had one Xtol failure since I quit using it.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), May 24, 2002.

I had a problem with 1 batch in 1998. It turns out the chemical storage bottles' cap had a leak & the stuff oxidized. At about that time I got some 1 liter packets with caked chemicals. Returned them to Kodak & got good ones in return. I'm not happy about the demise of the 1 ltr packets as I prefer to mix my chemicals in small batches.

-- Robert Orofino (minotaur1949@iopener.net), May 24, 2002.

RE the remark of "only 5 ltr packs" are available. My last trip to the photo store two weeks ago ONLY 1 ltr packs were available!! (new stock)

-- Melvin (bramley@nanaimo.ark.com), May 26, 2002.

B&H is only advertising 5ltr packets. I will have to check the Kodak website for more information! Thanks for the tip!

-- Robert Orofino (minotaur1949@iopener.net), May 26, 2002.

I've been using X-TOL for almost a year now and never had any problem. My main films are Delta 400 (35mm) and Delta 100 (120 roll film) and the negs look great with X-TOL.

-- Omar Ozenir (omar_ozenir@yahoo.com), June 06, 2002.

yes. I ran out of the 5 litre packets unexpectedly and against my better judgement, mixed up the 1 litre packet I had purchased a year before. failure with Kodak HIE. next day, new 5 litre packet, same film, beautiful results. no explanations. I have never had a failure with the 5 litre samples within the last year. Xtol amazes me when it works.

-- daniel taylor (lightsmythe@agalis.net), June 06, 2002.