A Modern Fine Grain, Full-Speed, High Acutance Developer
Table of Contents
Overview & History
I created the Kodak XTOL Developer Guide to help photographers use XTOL effectively for their black and white films. Kodak XTOL was introduced in 1996 as a modern black-and-white film developer designed to replace older formulas like D-76 and D-23. XTOL was developed with advanced chemistry to deliver superior fine grain, full film speed, and high acutance, all while being environmentally friendlier due to the absence of hydroquinone. Its ascorbic acid-based formula (a Vitamin C derivative) makes XTOL less toxic and more stable over time.
XTOL quickly gained popularity with both fine art photographers and professionals for its ability to produce extremely sharp, clean negatives with outstanding tonal range. It is ideal for medium to high-speed films, and its unique characteristics have made it a go-to choice for those seeking the best compromise between sharpness, grain, and speed.
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Why Use XTOL?
- Very fine grain: Comparable to or better than D-76
- Full emulsion speed: Maintains or exceeds ISO ratings
- High acutance: Sharp edge detail and tonal separation
- Long shelf life: Especially when stored in full bottles
- Versatile: Excellent results with a wide range of films
- Eco-friendly: No hydroquinone, based on ascorbic acid
XTOL Mixing Instructions
XTOL comes as a two-part powder to make 5 liters of stock solution.
- Dissolve Part A in 4 liters of warm (room temperature) distilled water.
- Once fully dissolved, add Part B and stir thoroughly.
- Add distilled water to make up the full 5 liters.
- Store in airtight bottles, preferably in 1-liter containers for maximum longevity.
Shelf Life:
- Full bottles (no air): Up to 6–12 months
- Partially full: Use within 2–3 months
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Dilution Options & Effects
| Dilution | Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Maximum film speed & fine grain | Ideal for shadow detail |
| 1:1 | Balanced sharpness and economy | Slightly increased acutance |
| 1:3 | High acutance, compensating effect | Lower contrast, economy use |
Recommended Development Times (20°C / 68°F)
| Film | Stock Time | 1:1 Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-X 400 | 8.5 min | 9.5 min |
| T-Max 100 | 9.0 min | 10 min |
| T-Max 400 | 8.5 min | 9.5 min |
| FP4+ 125 | 9.0 min | 10.5 min |
| HP5+ 400 | 9.5 min | 10.5 min |
Note: Always test times for your workflow and water quality.
XTOL vs D-76 vs D-23 (Comparison)
| Feature | XTOL | D-76 | D-23 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain | Very Fine | Fine | Fine |
| Acutance | High | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Film Speed | Full or Slight Boost | Full | Full |
| Contrast Control | Moderate | Good (dilutable) | Excellent (low contrast) |
| Ease of Mixing | Moderate (2-part) | Easy (1-part) | Very Easy (2 ingredients) |
| Shelf Life | Good if sealed | Good | Excellent |
| Chemical Content | Ascorbic acid-based | Hydroquinone-based | Metol-only |
| Best Use | Sharp, clean negatives | All-around developer | Compensating effects, Zone System |
Notes:
- XTOL is superior for T-grain films and when fine grain and sharpness are critical.
- D-76 remains a benchmark standard: more forgiving, slightly less sharp.
- D-23 is excellent for traditionalists seeking soft tonal transitions or working in Zone System workflows.
Agitation Recommendations
- Initial: 30 seconds continuous
- Ongoing: 5 seconds every 30 seconds
XTOL performs well with standard agitation. For compensation, reduce agitation and use higher dilution (e.g., 1:3).
Best Practices
- Mix with distilled water for consistent results
- Avoid storing in partially filled bottles for long durations
- Consider using it 1:1 for the best balance of sharpness and tonal range
- Excellent for scanning due to clean negatives with less grain
How to Mix the 5L Stock XTOL Chemistry
Kodak XTOL is one of the core developers in my hybrid workflow. Its ability to deliver fine grain, full tonal range, and excellent shadow detail makes it a go-to choice for many of my projects — especially when scanning negatives is part of the final output.
But XTOL comes with a quirk: it’s only sold in a 5-liter (1.32 gallon) kit, which can be inconvenient to mix, store, and use efficiently — especially if you’re working in smaller batches or not developing film every day.
In this premium guide, I’m sharing my personal step-by-step XTOL mixing method that:
- Uses only distilled water for consistency and archival quality
- Breaks the full 5L batch into five manageable 1-liter bottles
- Significantly extends shelf life by minimizing air exposure
- Keeps your workflow clean, predictable, and efficient
Whether you’re new to XTOL or just looking for a smarter way to manage it, this method simplifies the entire process while giving you greater control over your chemistry.
What You’ll Need
- 1 full 5L XTOL chemistry kit (includes Part A and Part B powder packets)
- Distilled water only (do not use tap water)
- One clean mixing container (minimum 5-liter capacity) (I use an 8 Qt stainless steel tall pot that I got from Walmart for $10).
- Five 1-liter dark chemical storage bottles (amber glass or PET plastic)
- Stirring rod or magnetic stirrer
- Graduated measuring container or scale
- Funnel (optional, but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure 4.0 liters of distilled water into your mixing container
Use room temperature distilled water (65–85 °F / 18–30 °C). This gives you about 80% of the final volume, which allows powders to dissolve more easily.
Step 2: Add Part A powder while stirring
Slowly pour the entire contents of Part A into the water while stirring constantly. Stir until fully dissolved. A yellowish or copper tint is normal at this stage. I use a magnetic stirrer, but you can use a chemical stirring paddle if you don’t have a lab mixer.
Step 3: Add Part B powder while stirring
Slowly add the entire contents of Part B while continuing to stir. Stir until the solution becomes clear and uniform. The copper tint should fade completely as the chemistry stabilizes.
Step 4: Top off with distilled water to exactly 5.0 liters
Add distilled water to bring the total volume to 5,000 mL (5 liters). Stir thoroughly to ensure full and even mixing.
Storage Strategy: 5 x 1-Liter Bottles
Step 5: Divide into five 1-liter bottles
Using a funnel, carefully pour the mixed developer into five 1-liter amber glass or PET plastic bottles. Fill each bottle to the top to minimize air space and oxidation. Label each bottle with the mixing date and “XTOL Stock.”
Why This Method Works
By breaking the developer into five separate bottles, you only expose one liter at a time to air when ready to use it. The remaining four stay sealed and fresh, which can extend shelf life up to 6 months or more if stored properly.
Best Practices for Storage
- Store bottles in a cool, dark place away from heat and light
- Once a 1L bottle is opened, plan to use it within 2–3 months for best results
- If the developer becomes discolored, cloudy, or loses activity, discard and remix or go to the next one liter bottle that has not been opened yet.
Developer Use Notes
- You can use XTOL as stock or dilute 1+1, 1+2, or 1+3 depending on film type, desired contrast, and grain
- Always mix working solutions fresh before developing
- Do not return used developer to the stock bottle
Summary
Mixing XTOL doesn’t have to be awkward or wasteful. By using distilled water and dividing the full batch into five 1-liter bottles, you simplify your darkroom workflow and maximize shelf life. This method helps you stay focused on making images — not worrying about expired chemistry.
Let this be your go-to reference every time you mix a batch of XTOL.
External Resources
- Kodak XTOL Technical Publication
Official PDF from Kodak with full technical data and instructions. - Massive Dev Chart – XTOL Times
Reliable film-specific development times using XTOL. - Photrio Forum: XTOL Tips & Storage
Community insights, workarounds, and real-world experience with XTOL.
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