Kodak Xtol Developer - Quick Mix Guide

[@mracdcjailbreak]

Mixed and developed with some xtol today for the second time. A few things: The most important thing is mixing. I was at 18 degrees celcius and i poured the powder in too fast. As a result, there was some small clumping. Dont panic, keep stirring and mixing for as long as needed till the clumps are gone. Ive also noticed that the colour of the first powder was more bronzey/pink than seen here, it didn't seem to matter (i developed a roll immediately to good results. As long as the colour changes to a more white/transperent colour after mixing packet B, then you should be right. Be generous with stirring and take your time. I would reccomend stirring at a temperature hjigher than 18 degrees just to avoid clumping. Once packet B is in and mixed, if your water seems on the cold side, top up to the 5 litre mark with some slightly warmer water, and give a good stir before bottling.

[@dalehammond1749]

It was a long road for me but after trying all the other "greats" I finally found Xtol. I'm all about nice smooth B&W photos and saving the environment. Very excellent video!

[@DavesFilmLab]

Thanks! One of these days, I need to make a video about the homemade D76 and XTOL that I’m making now. Allows me to mix as little as 250ml or as much as my heart desires

[@dalehammond1749]

@@DavesFilmLab Please do!

[@joaofilipenunesferreiradef3454]

My favourit. Yes! I used to use it with hp5+ puxed @800 and it was beaufitul.

[@bthemedia]

Another great video and honestly one of the only few developers (XTOL) I have mixed myself... for its great resolution, shelf life and non-toxic properties. 👏

[@DavesFilmLab]

bwvids Indeed! Even the 5 bottles will last me however long I’ll need them. Used a bottle of 8 month old xtol that was sealed with the plastic wrap and it was flawless

[@chrissy7289]

Thanks Dave for the helpful instructions. Have only used liquid developers so this is great to watch. All the best

[@DavesFilmLab]

Happy to help! Many new videos coming including how to make small batches (as small as 250ml or as big of a batch as you want) of homemade d76 & xtol. That’ll all be starting in January so stay tuned!

[@BillyHopscotch]

Thanks Dave! That was really enlightening. Rolls coming your way...

[@DavesFilmLab]

William Hopkins Yay! Glad you like it! Now I regret choose to not xplor grade the footage, super flat and dead looking 🤣

[@xaviegarcia2657]

Wondering if you use it stock or not. I've only ever used Xtol as a stock solution. Thanks for the great videos!

[@DavesFilmLab]

1:1

[@DavesFilmLab]

Lasts twice as long and just works solid

[@BOTGRINDER]

Thank you from the future.

[@abohosamabohosam4178]

Hello, does xtol develop all types of paper as well, and how long is it enough? Is that long and is the contrast good.. Reply please,, Thank you..

[@andrewflower9533]

Could you tell me, is it proper to dilute only some part of the packet? Or only whole packet for 5L?

[@DavesFilmLab]

Due to the nature of the Kodak powders, it’s never advised to mix only a little bit of it. This will lead to inconsistent results when developing

[@andrewflower9533]

@@DavesFilmLab Thank You for the answer!

[@matthewjeffries4621]

Thanks man.

[@suverobo]

How long can I keep it in that 1 litre bottle if its full witkout air and closed? I mean, you use first liter How long can I keep the rest 4 bottles stored? Thx

[@DavesFilmLab]

Robo Šuver Thats going to depend on a few things. One, being how much air is in the bottle (or making its way into the bottle) and the temperature in which it’s stored at. I’ve stored it in a refrigerator for 8 months and it worked just fine. I’ve also used 6 months old that was just stored at room temperature. My suggestion is to use the leader from a roll of film and test the developer in a small shot glass to determine its level of exhaustion and if it will be suitable to develop with

[@suverobo]

Dave exactly as you do it One bottle keep for using and other 4 fill up to 100% and keep in dark room temp If I put 4 liters of chemicals to the fridge, my wife will kill me :D

[@DavesFilmLab]

Robo Šuver Yea, I should probably specify that I had a small fridge in the darkroom for a bit but found it unnecessary.

[@MarcS4R]

how would you mix xtol 1:1 ? i read it a bunch of times, would like to give that a try

[@DavesFilmLab]

Mix the stock dilution, and then when you go to develop, go half water & half of your stock. Hope this helps!

[@MarcS4R]

@@DavesFilmLab thanks, thats just what i needed. will give it a try tomight.

[@nickfanzo]

Xtol is the best developer made by Kodak. It’s sharp as hell, fine grained, and has a lot of speed . It’s perfect EXCEPT the stupid portions. Why can’t they just make it a gallon like d76? Who wants to bottle five different containers of it?

[@DavesFilmLab]

I feel you there. It used to feel worth it, until I figured out kodaks xtol recipe. Now I just mix any amount that I want, using the raw ingredients. Requires a gram scale and a hot plate mixer to do properly

[@TheNegative]

Xtol!!!! :)

[@DavesFilmLab]

The Negative not as easy as Rodinal but worth it

[@TheNegative]

I love both! I sometimes don’t like the times on Rodinal but I love it still

[@vincentgraffeo9030]

Great instructive video, this is really helpful. Thank you!