| This combination of characteristics, unobtainable
in any other solution, renders the developer especially applicable
to the recently evolved monochrome negative films with special
grain structures. Some of these, while capable of previously
unobtainable quality levels, require expert control of exposure
and development - a difficult challenge with roll films -
if problems like empty shadows and bald highlights are to
be avoided, and the fine grain and tonal rendering of which
they are capable is to be realised. DiXactol™ is blended
to maximise results from these emulsions. Many of these new
film emulsions, while having high resolution, do not have
the emphasised acutance of more traditional films. They tend
not to look as sharp. DiXactol™ gives a level of crispness
previously unknown. Simultaneously, the high definition of
traditional old favourite emulsions is even further enhanced
without the usual price in grain prominence. Both types of
emulsion can be processed together without concern.
CAUTION
Keep photographic chemicals out of reach of unsupervised
children. Bath A contains Catechol and Glycin; Bath B contains
a caustic solution. With both baths avoid contact with eyes
and skin. Harmful by inhalation or if swallowed. In case of
contact with the eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water and
seek immediate medical advice. In case of ingestion seek urgent
medical advice. The solution can stain. Take care to protect
skin, clothing and surfaces. This developer is sensitive to
agitation technique. You are cautioned to test the two bath
version carefully with your water supply and technique before
committing important films to this developer. If in doubt,
use the single bath option. It is also sensitive to contaminated
processing equipment. If in doubt about processing reels especially,
use new ones to avoid negative staining or streaking.
MIXING
DiXactol™ is supplied in two 250ml bottles of concentrate
marked 'A' and 'B' respectively. These are diluted to various
degrees as instructed later to make working solutions.
WORKING LIFE AND CAPACITY
The developer has an exceptional working life. The use of
an inert gas spray in the 'A' bottle after each use before
recapping will prolong it even further. Concentrate A is a
pale pink when fresh, and discolours to a distinct and pinky
green hue when deteriorating. Concentrate B is clear when
fresh. The life of the concentrate 'A' should be not less
than 6 months in reasonably cool conditions. Concentrate B
does not deteriorate in storage to all intents and purposes.
The capacity varies according to dilution up to 49 rolls of
36 exposure 35mm film or more. The developer has the unusual
advantage in two bath option of being one shot, almost. Each
bath is made up of 1 part of stock solution to 19 parts of
water and discarded after use, but at least a further two
films can be processed in each such diluted amount using the
same development times if used within four hours before disposal
of this diluted solution. Four hours is a conservative guide.
In single bath option, it is one shot. Do not reuse the working
solution after processing the first film(s) - see below for
dilution rates.
EXPOSURE
Expose at or just below the film maker's rated speed (example
EI 320 for EI 400). Because of the added printing density
of the stain, the usual cut in speed needed for fine negatives
with proper shadow detail for fine prints is unnecessary.
Negatives given generous exposure will, however, resist blocking
in the highlights while opening up shadows when developed
in DiXactol™ For finest quality prints, carry out simple
tests for true film speed with your equipment and expose using
zone system principles to place the areas you want to show
full textured shadow detail on zone III.
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