XTOL warning

[FujiLove]

I've just been reading through a thread on Rangefinder Forum regarding the 'new' version of XTOL. Kodak have moved production to the States and, as far as people can tell, seem to have made a mess of the packaging resulting in partial failure and very thin negatives for some users.

The original thread is here: https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=170004

Also note the review and photos of the new packaging on B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ofessional_xtol_developer_powder.html/reviews

 

[Peter B]

That's not very good news, as I've been using old Xtol all year and was soon going to replace it. Still, at least I hadn't just bought it, so a timely warning Fujilove.

 

[StephenM]

And I note that the possible reformulation applies to HC110 as well...

 

[Asha]

And I note that the possible reformulation applies to HC110 as well...

Yes I saw that too …...Hmmm nothing stays the same which is one thing but when changes equate to inferior quality then that's not good news.

 

[FujiLove]

That's not very good news, as I've been using old Xtol all year and was soon going to replace it. Still, at least I hadn't just bought it, so a timely warning Fujilove.

I'm in the same boat. I may switch back to HC110 temporarily as I have a quarter bottle in the cupboard. Hopefully Kodak can fix the packaging issue (if that's what it is), otherwise it's probably time to look at Ilford chemicals. I've been thinking about switching to all their materials for a while, but the Tmax 400/Xtol combo keeps me coming back to Kodak.

 

[Peter B]

Photorio has more info, including this tweet from Kodak Professional View: https://BANNED/KodakProFilmBiz/status/1197212541753143297

We’ve recently become aware of complaints for inactive development, 2019/08/09 date coded KODAK PROFESSIONAL XTOL Developer. We are working with the manufacturer to verify there are no further issues. If you have a problem, please contact us at ProPaperChem@kodakalaris.com.

Some speculation that it is only one batch, but 3 pages worth here.

 

[FujiLove]

Interesting comment on the Photrio thread:

"I have talked to Kodak Alaris, and they told me the bad batch was shipped to the US market. The other markets are not affected. So for you in the UK, and me in Germany:
Don't worry, be happy and continue using XTOL if you like it."

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...blem-batch-of-xtol.171299/page-2#post-2229697

So us Europeans may be okay after all

 

[Asha]

So us Europeans may be okay after all

So long as you stay in Europe!!!

 

[FruitFlakes]

We’ll have BreXTOL which will promise a major speed increase with fine grain, but ultimately the negs will come out underdeveloped and lacking a clear image to work from.