KODAK XTOL Black & White Film Developer, Powder to Make 5 Liters.
SKU: KKX5L
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Shopper : can you mix a little at a time?Robert S : I mix the 5 liters and split the stock solution into 4 containers: 3-1 quart bottles and 1- 1/2 gallon bottle. I fill the 1/2 gallon bottle first, and then the 1 quart bottles, filling all the bottles to the top, only leaving the last one to be partially filled. I then tightly cap the bottles, using SARAN WRAP to make a better seal. See Ctein's book,"POST EXPOSURE". I have kept the stock solution for months with no loss of performance.ANTHONY R : Yes. Because the ratio calls for 1 part solution A to 1 part solution B, all you have to do is pour the power into separate measuring cups then use the same portion of the power from each cup. Once you've done that add the correct amount of water using the same proportions.MARTIN L : XTOL IS sensitive to oxidation. If you have an accurate balance and an air-tight (glass) container it is possible. However, the powder will only keep for a few months after opening the packet.MATTHEW A : I guess it's possible, but you'd need to be sure the proportions are correct. I would just suggest mixing the entire contents, because it is essential to dissolve Part A before you can dissolve Part B to make sure the solution is mixed properly. Keeping the mixture in a 2 gal. tank with a floating lid (minimizing or eliminating air exposure) will keep the mixed developer fresh as long as possible, maybe even more than 6 months.PAVEL G : I think this is best developer for b/w photos...DENISE C : I have never tried only mixing part of the package. XTOL is a little tricky. One of the key things to XTOL is making sure you get even dissolving when you mix the two chemicals together (totally clear solution)...and keep it in airtight bottles, minimizing any sort of air gaps since this will "oxidize" the chemical. Having said that, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to weigh equivalent/corresponding powder out of each in portions, as long as the remaining powder is also kept in airtight containers. I say weigh vs. measure in a measuring cup because, like in baking, weighing powder ingredients is always more accurate, since humidity (expansion) or very dry (lack of humidity) conditions will actually affect volume. I usually mix the whole contents and then keep the solution in the Premier 2-gallon containers with floating lids which help keep air out of the mix, at least for a month (longest I've kept XTOL working solution that way; containers sold by Adorama, SKU: PEST2G MFR: PRT2) Hope this helps.Bob A : I would not try this. Have never had any success with a partial mix . Have also found this developer to oxidize very rapidly. I would store in in a full bottle to keep air out. I mix in 3 1/2 gallon tanks and use a floating lid to prevent oxidation. The replenishment rate is 70ml. per roll of film. My method works very well for me.MICHAEL L : Yes you can. You need to be careful and mix the amount that you need for your working solution in the same proportion (water to to chemical) as the entire package. I usually mix some solutions in 1 liter bottles from 5 liter chem packages.DAVID B : No . Kodak recommends all at once. Also make sure u seal tight preferably in a glass bottle- for no more then 6 months. WIM H : Xtol comes in two parts which should be mixed completely according to directions. The developer may then be stored in smaller bottles that can be filled to the brim. It is quite stable under these circumstances.David R : In theory, yes. But, practically, making sure you have the right proportion for A and B chemicals would be a big risk, I have the 'accordian' storage bottles (you collapse them as volume liquid is used) and the stock solution keeps. The 'double strength' stock solution mentioned above is an interesting idea; I will be trying it.KENNETH O : No, mixing only a little at a time is not a viable option. The powder in the package is made up of more than one chemical in very specific ratios and in order to maintain these ratios, the entire package must be mixed at one time. Some people have reported success in mixing the entire package and then dividing the mixed developer into sealed glass chemical storage bottles (opaque or dark brown), removing any air from the bottles, and storing them in a dark cool place for later use. Doing a Web search will provide you with more information. Of course, how long "later" is will have a large impact on your results. I haven't tried this as I usually use 3 of the 5 liters each time I process film. I like Xtol a lot. It's the only developer I use now.JOHN H : I have never tried it, but if you made sure the dry powder was throughly blended before mixing with water, you should be ok.PARKER S : I would avoid mixing small quantities. XTOL comes in two parts, and these are mixed together to make 5 liters. I would suggest pouring this into five one liter bottles (or smaller) and then capping them tightly. Air is the enemy for all developers. If you have a liter of this sitting in a gallon jug you can be sure it will rapidly deteriorate.EDMUND W : it's not recommended. you'd have to weigh the power very accurately. I have heard of people mixing it at double strength for longer shelf life (2.5 liters instead of 5)THOMAS G : I would not advise mixing a little at a time since it's a two part mix. If you do choose to try I would highly advise using an accurate balance to weigh fractions of both powder mixes based on the ratio of the final mix. Considering the price, it's probably best to make it all at once and do test strips to test for potency if you let the solution sit unused for an extended amount of time.CHRISTOPHER M : I believe you have to mix the entire package all-at-once. That said, you can store the concentrated solution in a handful of plastic containers, which are quite cheap and reusable. The chemistry stays fresh for a surprisingly long time too. Just remember to purchase an extra bottle to store a working solution (concentrate + water).BRENT Y : No, you cannot. I bought this thinking I could mix a little at a time, but you can't. There are two different solutions that must be mixed together; the exactness of the proportions of each solution make it difficult to obtain consistent results each time it is used. Also, they don't mix right if the whole amount isn't used. I keep the extra of mine in a milk jug with no problems.ACCOUNTS P : I've never done that though I imagine you can as long as you maintain the correct proportional amounts. A scale would be optimal.STEPHANIE A : Yes, since it's powdered you can divvy it up by weight without fear of the remainder going bad. I would suggest making a liter at a time so divide each part (A and B powders) into 5 equal parts.
I cheated and divided it (very very very carefully) by volume since my scale is broken, but if officially it should be done by weight.DICK P : I usually divide the 5 liters into five zip-lock bags and seal these in a glass jar to use as needed.
Dick PennerBRIAN T : That is hotly debated on forums, but the general answer is no, you cannot. The power is not finely mixed enough, so unless you put it through a mixing machine yourself, there's a chance you'd mess up the chemistry ratios from batch-to-batch.
You can store the made-up solution in air-tight bottles for six months, though...
Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?JOHN H : heard good things; wanted to try.JOHN R : my favorite black and white film developer. has a long shelf life after you mix it up.NEAL W : Easy to control using different dilutions.EVAN T : Sharpest Results for Kodak TMAX filmsGeorge H : This is a fairly non-toxic, easy to mix, inexpensive film developer with good tonal ranges. It receives good reviews from people who use it.STEPHANIE A : Because it was one of the developers I had not yet tried.
Reviews about this item
Review Summary
2019-03-11T19:17:04
Rated 4 out of 5
Excellet Results, Easy to Mix and Use
Another classic Kodak developer that is easy to use and gives excellent results for just about any film. Unlike D76 it is easy to mix with room temperature water. You can use a variety of dilutions other than stock. One disadvantage is that when it goes bad, it goes bad all at once--there won't be a slight reduction in quality to let you know it might be time to mix up some new stuff. Not really a problem if you develop a lot of film and use it up before that.
MARK J.
2018-01-12T07:42:35
Rated 5 out of 5
My Go-To
Love Xtol and the beautiful results it produces. Easy to mix, stores for up to 6 months, and works well with everything from Across 100 to Tri-X pushed to 1600! Develop 1+1 and it lasts even longer
GRAHAM U.
2017-12-26T15:41:55
Rated 5 out of 5
works well
As with any developer, there is a certain amount of fine tuning. Once I found the right ISO and developing time, I made it my darkroom standard. Keeps well.
Robert S.
2017-01-18T09:20:45
Rated 5 out of 5
Great Legacy Product.
Got a new scanner for Christmas and I scanned some old slides and negatives. It made me nostalgic for film. Dusted off the film camera and shot a few rolls. Fun to shoot film again, develop and then scan and make final touches in Photoshop. Surprised how many film products Adorama has available and Kodak is bringing back Ektachrome and possibly (crossing my fingers) Kodachrome. Film makes you think about your picture taking in a different way - I recommend giving it a try again.
DAVID L.
2017-01-04T07:30:06
Rated 5 out of 5
Little known film developer
Although this developer is not as well known as others, it is an excellent developer for roll films producing a great contrast range and excellent shadow detail. It also has a very long shelf life.
GENE L.
2015-10-05T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Great Product
I use this classic developer for helping reduce grain size of my film. It is an awesome developer! It seems to increase my dynamic range when printing in the darkroom. Love it!
THOMAS K.
2014-09-01T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Great developer
consistent results every time. I have used it with Tmax-100, Superfine 400 and Ilford 3200. long shelf life after mixing. you'll need a two gallon container, or 2 one gallon containers to hold the solution.
KEITH M.
2014-08-18T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Great developer
Nice all round developer. gives consistent results every time. makes 5 liters so you will need a larger storage container than one gallon
KEITH M.
2014-08-04T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
my go to developer for most films
I like Xtol,it is my all around go to developer. I use for most of my films. It works well for most films, I like the results. You can also use it at different dilutions as well. I would recommend making the stock solution with distilled water. I have found it keeps very well. I do use argon or nitrogen gas to displace the air, but it keeps fine without. The only complaint I have is that it makes 5 liters. I have gallon jugs so I have to keep the rest in another jug. You should buy a 5 liter jug to store your stock solution. You can also use some computer duster spray to keep out the air. I would recommend Xtol to anyone who runs their own film. Great for schools too.
CHARLES T.
2011-10-23T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Great developer if you follow guidelines
This stuff gets a bad reputation for going dead without any visual warnings. I've never experienced this but I follow the usage guidelines very closely and don't use it after it's been sitting for a month. I generally use 2-3gal/yr processing up to 30 rolls/gal. I use it 1+1; one shot. I get my dev times from [@] and have been very happy with the results.
James M.
2011-10-02T21:00:00
Rated 2 out of 5
limited use developer
I have used a lot of films with this film developer and in my experience it only works well with one: Tmax 100. With every other film it produces mediocre results at best, and it is particularly poor with 400 speed films. But if you only plan on using one film ever (Tmax 100) it will work great! That is why I am giving it 2 stars instead of one.
monochromatics
2010-08-25T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
My standard film developer
Works great for tray, reel, & motorized processing. I like the grain structure, even on 16x20 prints from 4x5 film.
B&W
2010-01-09T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Great stuff!
Xtol is great. I use it straight most of the time as directed, but it is also good for shooting Ilford's Delta 100 at ISO 250. Use it 1:1 @ 70 degrees F for 12:15 minutes. Agitate five seconds every 30.
DAVID M.
2008-09-03T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
KODAK XTOL
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT DEVELOPER. I HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS.
B&W U.
2008-06-11T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Favorite!
I use it to develop my 4x5 films. I love the very small grain and flexibility in developing. Also good shelf life.
Dimitri
About Kodak 8751752 XTOL Black/White Film Developer, 5 Liters
FEATURED REVIEWS
Favorite!
By Dimitri
I use it to develop my 4x5 films. I love the very small grain and flexibility in developing. Also good shelf life.
KODAK XTOL
By B&W U.
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT DEVELOPER. I HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS.
Offers full emulsion speed and easy mixing. For use as both a developer and a replenisher.
For use in: small or large tanks, tray, rotary tubes, replenished systems
Keeping Properties Stock solution in closed container (full)-approximately 1 year Working solution in a tray-24 hours (2 months in a tray)
Useful Capacity (unreplenished): Full strength in a tank or tray; 19-8x10 sheets per gal (5 per L)
Key Features
- Convenient, room-temperature mixing
- Stable performance through a wide range of temperatures and dilutions
- Excellent keeping properties
- Fine grain and high sharpness