Kodak T-max films and conventional developers

[tho60]

Some people tell that Kodak T-max films (and other films with new crystal structure) do not give good results with conventional developers, like D 76, Rodinal and so on. The proper developers for these films are the modern ones, Xtol, T-max etc. What are your opinion?

 

[SSELKIND]

D-76 at 1 + 1 works beautifully with Tmax.

 

[DominikDUK]

That's B.S. some rather well know people consider D76 to be ideal developer for Tmax 100,the film also looks superb in Rodinal (E.I. 64) imo. Tmax 100 despite being a designer crystal film is the best choice if you are looking for a film that will give you that 1930's glamour look. Tmax in Rodinal is beautiful Delta 400 in Rodinal is also a great combo. The advantage of Tmax and DDX is a bit of boost in speed but Tmax 100 looks definitely better in D76 or Rodinal than in the modern devs. But that's just my opinion.

 

[ferider]

The new Tmax 400 with Rodinal or HC110 is one of the greatest film/developer combos I know.

 

[Erik van Straten]

My experience is that the so called "Tmax" developer from Kodak gives horrible results with all kinds of films.

The Tmax films are however great. The new Tmax400-2 is exeptionally good in the Perceptol developer from Ilford: 11 minutes developing time @ 23 degrees C in 1 part developer and two parts water gives stunning results. As this is a true fine grain developer you have to overexpose 1 stop, so @ 200 ISO instead of @ 400 ISO for best results.

Erik.

 

[Highway 61]

D-76 at 1 + 1 works beautifully with Tmax.

+ 1.

-

For both (not from the same roll, not shot in the same country and not shot at the same time of the year) : T-Max 100, D76 1+1, routine exposure, routine development.

Let's keep those B&W lab. things simple and concentrate on taking photos.

 

[mwoenv]

No, D76 stock with Tmax 100 is really nice (I prefer D76 stock instead of 1:1 with all films).

 

[Trius]

I quite like TMY-2 in Rodinal as well as Rodinal + XTol. I've also had good results with TMX and Rodinal but haven't used it as much as TMY-2. I have some Delta 100 4X5 waiting for processing; I will soup it in Rodinal since my earlier results with one of the Moersch developers weren't great. That's my fault, there's nothing wrong with Wolfgang's products.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

The new Tmax400-2 is exeptionally good in the Perceptol developer from Ilford: 11 minutes developing time @ 23 degrees C in 1 part developer and two parts water gives stunning results. As this is a true fine grain developer you have to overexpose 1 stop, so @ 200 ISO instead of @ 400 ISO for best results.

Erik.

Would it be possible to post a couple of examples? Have been thinking of getting back into Tmax 400, and trying something different in terms of developers. If not that's okay, just thought I would ask.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Would it be possible to post a couple of examples?

Leica M5, Nokton 50mm f/1.1, Tmax400-2, Perceptol.

Erik.

 

[Noserider]

Tmax 100 shot at 64 E.I. processed in seasoned replenished Microdol-X is as close to the legendary Panatomic-X as you will find today. Almost undistinguishable. In fact that was a Kodak recommended replacement for Pan-X.

 

[Bingley]

The new Tmax 400 with Rodinal or HC110 is one of the greatest film/developer combos I know.

+1. I develop both TMax films in HC 110 and have been very pleased with the results. You can see examples on my flickr.

 

[Trius]

Tmax 100 shot at 64 E.I. processed in seasoned replenished Microdol-X is as close to the legendary Panatomic-X as you will find today. Almost undistinguishable. In fact that was a Kodak recommended replacement for Pan-X.

When I bought the engagement ring for my bride, I bought it from Mary Ann Ford at Mann's Jeweller's in Rochester. Her father basically invented the t-max grain structure. 🙂

 

[BLKRCAT]

Would it be possible to post a couple of examples?

Certainly.

Tmax 100 in Xtol 1:1 35mm




Tmax 400 Xtol 1:1 120

 

[charjohncarter]

The new Tmax 400 with Rodinal or HC110 is one of the greatest film/developer combos I know.

Me too............!

Tones everywhere, made with a Konica C35:

Untitled by John Carter, on Flickr

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Thanks for the examples!

 

[tho60]

The new Tmax 400 with Rodinal or HC110 is one of the greatest film/developer combos I know.

However, modern emulsions require much more developing times in Rodinal than older ones. For example, Fomapan 100- an old style film can be developed in 9 minutes, but Fuji Acros in 13.5 minutes, T-max 100 in 12 minutes, Ilford delta 100 in 14 minutes. (1.50 dilution, 20 C).

What could be the reason?

 

[f16sunshine]

Tmax 400 @ 400. Rodinal 1:50 @ 20c, 14mins Agitate 1min then one inversion every 2 minutes.


Fuji GF670
4 by Adnan, on Flickr

 

[aoresteen]

I don't use Tmax very often. But when I do I use HC-110 B. Like others have shown the results are beautiful.

Kodak simply wants you spend money on an expensive developer that doesn't work that well for you but puts more money in Kodak's pocket.

 

[f16sunshine]

Actually I really like tmax dev.
It's great for HP5 and tri-x as well as tmax of course.
HP5 seems to really sparkle with tmax dev. I mix it 1:4 and can re-use it for 15rolls when mixing a gallon.
It's just not that expensive unless one is using it for one shot.

HP5 and Tmax Dev
2 wheeled truck by Adnan, on Flickr