ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer – Pro-Grade Quality (1L)

Introduction

Discover the advanced chemistry of ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer, a modern, eco-conscious developer that delivers exceptional image quality for black and white film photographers. Based on ascorbic acid, XT-3 offers a hydroquinone-free formulation while maintaining the fine grain, full film speed, and sharpness needed by both professionals and hobbyists.

If you’re looking for a developer that performs like Kodak Xtol but with better shelf life and environmental safety, ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer is the perfect solution.

What is ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer?

ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer is a fine grain, high-efficiency film developer specifically designed for black and white negative films. It is based on ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a powerful and environmentally safer alternative to traditional developers. XT-3 delivers full box speed, very fine grain, high acutance, and excellent tonal reproduction—comparable to Kodak’s legendary Xtol developer.

Unlike many traditional formulas, ADOX XT-3 Developer is hydroquinone-free and contains no boric acid, making it safer for you and better for the environment. It dissolves quickly (in just 2–3 minutes), and thanks to improvements in formulation, it also offers better storage life than earlier ascorbic acid developers.

Why Choose ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer?

Photographers prefer ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer because it combines high image quality, eco-friendliness, and modern chemistry. Whether you’re printing in a home darkroom or developing dozens of rolls for a studio, XT-3 ensures consistent results and professional output.

🔍 Key Benefits:

• Pro-grade image quality with smooth tonal transitions and fine detail

• Very fine grain and high edge sharpness

• Full film speed development

• Safe and eco-conscious – free from hydroquinone and boric acid

• Fast dissolving time – mix in just 2–3 minutes

• Longer shelf life compared to similar ascorbic acid-based developers

• Ideal for all black and white negative films (ADOX, Ilford, Kodak, Foma, etc.)

By choosing ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer, you’re supporting a chemical process that’s both high-performing and responsible.

How to Use ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer

Using ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer is simple and efficient, especially for photographers who want predictable, lab-quality results at home.

 Mixing Instructions:

• Mix the full packet with water to make 1000ml (1L) of stock solution.

• Dissolves completely in 2–3 minutes with gentle stirring—no heating required.

 Working Solution:

• Use stock as-is or dilute 1+1 or 1+3 depending on your desired contrast and sharpness.

• Typical development time at 20°C is 8–12 minutes depending on the film type and dilution.

 Capacity:

• One liter of stock solution processes up to 10 rolls of 35mm film or 120 medium format rolls, depending on dilution and usage.

✅ For detailed development times per film type, refer to the official ADOX XT-3 PDF Datasheet.

Film Compatibility

ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer is compatible with almost all black and white films available today. It performs excellently with:

• ADOX CHS II, Silvermax, HR-50

• Ilford HP5+, FP4+, Delta 100/400

• Kodak Tri-X 400, TMAX 100/400

• Fomapan 100, 200, 400

• Kentmere 100, 400

• And other black and white negative films

Whether you’re shooting high-speed or slow-speed film, ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer ensures clean highlights, detailed shadows, and optimal sharpness.

Who is ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer For?

This developer is perfect for:

• 🧑‍🎓 Students and photography educators

• 🏠 Home darkroom enthusiasts

• 🖼️ Fine art photographers

• 🧪 Lab technicians

• 📷 Analog photographers needing consistent pro results

Its ascorbic acid base makes it safer to handle and store, ideal for shared spaces like schools or home setups with children or pets nearby.

Explore This Product on Our Store

Looking for a fixer to pair with XT-3? Try our ADOX ADOFIX Plus Fixer 500ml Concentrate – perfect for completing your B&W processing workflow.

Trusted Source for Further Reading

For deeper technical specifications and mixing instructions, visit the official ADOX XT-3 5000ml Developer page.

This resource provides full technical sheets, data on storage capacity, and usage with specific film types—great for darkroom professionals.

Packaging and Storage

Each pack of ADOX XT-3 Developer comes in powder form and is designed to be mixed into 1000ml (1L) of solution.

 Storage Tips:

• Store mixed developer in tightly sealed containers

• Use within 6 months once opened

• Unopened powder has a shelf life of 2–3 years if stored cool and dry

By using ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer, you reduce chemical waste and avoid dangerous residues associated with more toxic traditional formulas.

Comparison with Other Developers

While many photographers use Kodak Xtol, it is known to have sudden failure issues when not stored properly. ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer addresses these problems with:

• Improved shelf stability

• Safer, cleaner ingredients

• Faster mixing and no boric acid

If you loved Xtol, this developer is your modern, safer upgrade.

Final Thoughts

ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer is a smart choice for anyone looking for a clean, high-performance, eco-conscious developer. It offers everything you need: sharpness, grain control, full-speed development, and consistency. Whether you’re developing your first roll or working on gallery-quality prints, XT-3 is built to deliver.

Its advanced formulation, long shelf life, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of films make ADOX XT-3 Developer a standout in the darkroom world.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer (1L)

Q1: What is ADOX XT-3 B/W Film Developer used for?
A: ADOX XT-3 is a professional-grade black & white film developer designed for fine-grain, sharp images with excellent tonal separation. It is ideal for photographers seeking consistent, high-quality results.

Q2: How does ADOX XT-3 compare to other developers?
A: ADOX XT-3 is formulated as an eco-friendly alternative to Xtol, offering similar image quality and speed but with better shelf life and environmental safety.

Q3: Can I use ADOX XT-3 with all types of B/W film?
A: Yes. ADOX XT-3 is compatible with almost all black & white films, from slow to high-speed emulsions, making it versatile for various photographic needs.

Q4: How much working solution can I prepare from 1L of XT-3 concentrate?
A: The 1L bottle can be diluted to prepare multiple liters of working solution, depending on your dilution ratio (commonly 1+1 or stock solution). This makes it economical for regular use.

Q5: What are the advantages of using ADOX XT-3?
A: The main benefits include:

• Exceptional fine grain and sharpness

• Wide tonal range with smooth gradation

• Long shelf life compared to traditional developers

• Eco-friendly, safe formulation without hazardous chemicals

Q6: Is ADOX XT-3 suitable for push and pull processing?
A: Yes. ADOX XT-3 handles push and pull development well, allowing photographers to control contrast and speed while maintaining high image quality.

Q7: How should I store ADOX XT-3 for maximum shelf life?
A: Store in tightly sealed bottles, in a cool and dark environment. Once opened and diluted, it is best to use the working solution within a reasonable time frame to maintain effectiveness.