Hello everybody!(posted 8637 days ago)IBm a big user of AGFA APX 400 film for three main reasons: 1) ItBs cheap;half the price of other films, so I can shoot twice as many. 2) ItBs a beautiful film. 3)I like fast films such as the 400 because I can hand hold the camera and donBt have to use the tripod all the time as is the case with slower films.
When developing my films I like a combination of sharpness, good gradation and as little grain as possible. This is not always an easy combination to achieve. I have tried Rodinal at dilutions of 1:50 and find it to have too much grain but the contrast was beautiful. I have also tried Xtol at dilutions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 with relatively satisfying results but lacking contrast with the times given by Kodak. IBm starting to be afraid to use Xtol because a lot of people are complaining of inconsistant results even when used as Bone shotB only. IBve had some problems with caked Xtol chemicals (1 LT ), but never used them and returned them for exchange.
What are the major differences in the negative when using Xtol 1:1 vs 1:2 vs 1:3? Which is best?
I keep reading that Xtol is a great revelator and wouldnBt mind sticking to it. Is there something better out there or can someone suggest the best way to use Xtol?