Experience with Tmax 3600

[Peter^]

Just picked up ten rolls of Tmax 3600 for some night time available light street photography. Does anybody any special tips or tricks with working with this kind of film?

 

[Vendee]

Just picked up ten rolls of Tmax 3600 for some night time available light street photography. Does anybody any special tips or tricks with working with this kind of film?

I assume you mean Tmax 3200? I believe that the true ISO is closer to 800 so at 3200 you are effectively pushing it. You have to use a good high speed developer such as Microphen to keep the grain in check unless of course you want lots of large grain.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I've used it extensively for many years. It gives the best quality, in my opinion, at 1600 developed in Kodak's Tmax Developer diluted 1+4 at the times that Kodak gives for EI-1600. At 3200 its a little too contrasty, but if you absolutely need the speed, the quality is still quite good.

Like I said, Tmax Developer is the best for it.

Xtol is ok, finer grain than Tmax Developer but I think Tmax Developer gives much better tonality.

D-76 sucks for this film. Grainy, flat midtones, poor tonality.

Rodinal gives a really grainy look but with good tonality.

All shot with Tmax 3200 at EI-1600, developed in Tmax Developer

 

[Peter^]

Chris, thanks a lot. I'll try it at 800 and 1600 using Ilford ID-11 (which is my standard developer).

peter

 

[Vendee]

Chris, thanks a lot. I'll try it at 800 and 1600 using Ilford ID-11 (which is my standard developer).

peter

ID-11 is Ilfords version of D-76 and as Chris says, perhaps not the best developer for this film.

 

[Fotohuis]

ID-11 is Ilfords version of D-76 and as Chris says, perhaps not the best developer for this film.

D76 sucks for this film. 😀

Good expression but indeed T max developer 1+4 gives the best results for the Tmax 3200 film.
Alternative Xtol (5ltr.)/Fomadon Excel W27 (1ltr.) in case you have only a few films.

 

[Ronald M]

EI 1000 if you want proper shadow detail.

T Max developer works well.

It ages fast from cosmic rays. EXP date is the date it dies. There is no way to protect it except 6 feet of lead.

You should like the film.

 

[Nokton48]

Ilford DDX works OK with this film, although it builds up density -quick-.

Actually, I have recently rediscovered Microdol-X developer, and it is freakin' amazing with this film. Nice long developing times, too, which I'm happy about. Still running tests but I am totally pleased so far.

 

[Turtle]

800-1000 is good for general usage, but at night you can get away with a higher speed for most films.

I have used Xtol and DDX. Both are great.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Thanks, Chris! That explains my results with this film the first time I developed it. I used D76 and, yes, it sucked so bad I swore never shoot it again.

Now I use T-Max instead... Should give it a try at ISO 1600. Is that what you mean by EI?

 

[Pablito]

Another strong recommendation for Tmax developer. It's a superb film.

Also I can vouch for paying attendtion to the expiration date. Cold does not help. Do not use after expiration date even if you keep it in the freezer.