The first problems with Xtol seem to have been packaging. The
original packages were metalized paper, that is paper coated with
metalized plastic. Kodak changed this to an all plastic package
with a different pattern of seals and that seemed to cure the
short life problem.
Kodak has used a variety of packaging methods over the years.
When I started Kodak and others used cans. I think these were
both heavy (to ship) and expensive and were replaced by lined
cardboard cans, then bags. I think the cans were probably the
longest lived but they have not been used for decades.
On 8/2/2021 8:49 AM, Laurence Cuffe (Redacted sender cuffe for
DMARC) wrote:
With Covid, its been a bit of a trick to get darkroom supplies, so Ive been
looking at the back of shelves, and brewing my own in large part. Yesterday, I
ran across a 1 litre pack of Xtol developer, and decided to mix it up rather
than throwing it out directly. From the fact that the price on the pack was
denominated in Irish pounds, i.e. pre euro, I can conclude that the pack was at
least 18 years old. Its a two pack mix, the first being developing agents, and
the second being Sulphites with some stabilisers and whatever. Iron chelators I
think.
Pack A did not look good. Cutting it open revealed a paste with the consistency
of damp sugar, and a pale brown colour. I extracted it, by repeatedly filling
the envelope with water, until it was empty. It mixed up to a pale brown
liquid, which cleared when I added part B.
I tested it with a strip of blank film, which to my surprise turned slowly
black, and then tray developed six sheets of film, Tmax 100. They all came out
fine.
One has to admire the professionalism of the Kodak company here.
Best regards,
Laurence Cuffe
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