Xtol

Xtol is a black and white photographic film developer manufactured by Fujifilm. It is a popular choice among film photographers due to its versatility and fine-grain results. Xtol is a powder that is mixed with water to create a working solution. It is known for its high acutance, meaning it produces sharp-edged images. The developer is also praised for its ability to retain shadow detail and its good shelf life when stored properly.

Xtol is typically used at a dilution of 1:1 or 1:2, meaning one part of the concentrated stock solution is mixed with one or two parts of water. The development times will vary depending on the film being used, the dilution, and the temperature of the developer. It is considered a general-purpose developer and works well with a wide range of black and white films, from high-speed films to slower, fine-grain emulsions.

One of the advantages of Xtol is its long working life. Once mixed, it can often be used for several weeks or months, provided it is stored in a well-sealed container and protected from light and air. It is also known for being relatively forgiving, meaning minor variations in development time or temperature are less likely to result in significant image degradation. This makes it a good choice for both beginners and experienced photographers.