Another vote for Diafine with Tri-X
Another vote for Diafine with Tri-X
For the best ASA/Grain/DR-range performance - definitely Tri-X with Diafine. The "sweet spot" is exacly around ASA1600 (although with MF roll or sheet film ASA1250 rating can be better).
Grain looks like ISO125-200 film, tonality and DR-range almost looks like a technical ISO25 film, amost everything is pulled out 🙂
+ Diafine is probably the cheapest way to develop your B&W (one solution lasts "forever", literally compared to other B&W developers, mine 2/3 filled bottles have been sitting (oxydizing) on the room-temperature shelf for more than a year, dozens of rolls have gone through and still makes them as new - unbelievable developer!)
+ Utterly easy and convenient (time and temperature almost have no effect, pre-washing is not so critical as some films require it, idiot-proof develoment with A+B)
- Contrast can only be controlled by ASA rating during shooting
I always liked Delta 3200 pulled too if you look for the "romantic" grain, and I love Delta 3200 grain! For me the higher price is not an issue, just depends what I seek for for the particular shootout requirements.
Cheers,
Margus