Newbie: compressed negatives

[alexM]

I've developed TMAX 400 in TMax 1:7 using rotary for 10 min @ 24C (75F). The resulting negatives after scanning end up to be compressed: almost no highlights, all info is in the shadow side. I wonder, if it means I should increase exposure or increase development time?

Thanks,
Alex

 

[froyd]

What do the negs look on a light table or other light source? Thin? I would not adjust dev time based on a scan. Evaluate the negative directly. Scanning can introduce exposure "issues" of its own.

 

[Ronald M]

highlights receive information first on exposure, shadows last. Highlights are dark on the negative, shadows are nearly transparent ON THE NEGATIVE.

I think you are thinking backward.

It is difficult to learn this without previous darkroom experience. It would be best if you posted the scan as it is or made a print if you can.

If shadow detail is thin, it can only be increased by more exposure. Highlights are controlled by time in developer. If the scanner can not read through the dense area, then develop less time.

Establish a test subject. black shutters on white stucco house is perfect, cross lighted. Get detail in both on one scan.

Black car tires and some textured white work.

or buy a grey scale and expose so as to get separation in the two darkest areas, then develop so the white is white and there is separation in the two lightest steps.

You only need 6 exposures and 12" of film to run a teat. Forget serious work until you get this nailed down.

 

[brbo]

highlights receive information first on exposure, shadows last. Highlights are dark on the negative, shadows are nearly transparent ON THE NEGATIVE.

I think you are thinking backward.

That would be my assumption too since recommended developement time in T-Max 1:7 developer is 8min 15s.

 

[Fotohuis]

Indeed, overdeveloped (especially when using continuous agitation with rotary development and 24C).

 

[alexM]

Thank you all for the feedback. I will be calibrating exposure first, then work on development time. I'll probably send my camera for CLA first to make sure speeds are accurate as well.

 

[rfaspen]

75 F seems hot to me. I usually have problems with development at that temp. Occasionally I have to develop at 75F, but I'd much rather wait until I can maintain 68F and use well established times.

In general, developing hot usually means shorter, more critical intervals (time in developer) with less forgiveness in timing slop (variability). Even the time it takes to pour the developer in and out become important. I can't handle that much stress in life 🙂 The only time I develop hot, is when the image has immediate need (more likely; use digital).

BTW, the reason I'm forced to develop hot is because during summer my house and water supplies are at about 75F. All other seasons, my water (not necessarily the house) are around 68F or a little below.

 

[DominikDUK]

The fault isn't with the camera or the exposure time. The dev. time for Tmax 400 in TMax Dev 1:7 is 8.15mins @ 24C (non Rotary dev.) you have severely overdeveloped the film. With Rotary development you have to shorten the dev. time by about 15% instead you developed the film about 3mins to long.

Also T-Max, Delta and all other designer grain films are much more sensible to bad development than older style films.

Your Problem is the development stage so this is were you should start and not the other way around.

 

[Corran]

Many suggested times for T-Max developer is at 75F, from Kodak.

I'm perplexed why the scan in question hasn't been posted. Very hard to ascertain a problem without that, or/and perhaps a shot of the negative on a light table or window.

As already noted the obvious problem might be overdevelopment, but if you have "no highlights," something is wrong, either with your metering, camera, or terminology.

 

[alexM]

A Kodak publication calls for 10 min in Tmax dev 1:7 at 75F for tmax 400 in rotary processor.

Not sure how to post a scan - any pointers?

 

[DominikDUK]

The current Kodak Film Datasheet F4043 states 8 1/4mins @ 75°F but they give the same time for a 2 Stop push E.I. 3200 weird

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/f4043/f4043.pdf

Maybe the publication you have is outdated and has the times for the old version of the film.

 

[alexM]

Thanks!

So, how do I insert an image to a post, or does it need to be hosted somewhere first? If that's the case, any hosting sites you recommend? Sorry for too many questions, really a newbie.

 

[Fotohuis]

You can host the pictures e.g. at Flickr (from Yahoo) and link the image here. In Flickr you can easily make the choice of the different sizes in pixels, normally 800pix is OK to show your problem.

As already told cut the inverse development times approx. -15% given from the Kodak TMY-2 (Tmax400 version 2) publication.

 

[GarageBoy]

The current Kodak Film Datasheet F4043 states 8 1/4mins @ 75°F but they give the same time for a 2 Stop push E.I. 3200 weird

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/f4043/f4043.pdf

Maybe the publication you have is outdated and has the times for the old version of the film.

The push times are for 1:4 dilution

 

[Fotohuis]

Correct, and 1:4 means 1+4. Not always very clear in the Kodak USA publications. Tmax developer is working better on a higher temperature (75F/24C) hence this suggested publication.

Most B&W developers are meant for 20C, especially high acutance type developers like R09/Rodinal.

But still my conclusion, overdeveloped and I also would like to see an example of the result.

 

[alexM]

I think you are right, it is overdeveloped. I must have taken time from 1600, push two stops table. I will reshoot and develop for 8 1/4 min @75F. Will let you know the results. Thank you all for your help.

Alex

 

[Dpingr1]

Do you know about this site yet? A helpful reference source, especially if you use lots of different film/dev combinations. If you already use it, then cheers! There's even an app, though I have not tried it out.

http://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php

 

[alexM]

So the end of this long story is somewhat unexpected, at least for me.

I followed all recommendations and still could not make things work.

To make it short, it is only when I trashed my chemicals and replaced them with new, I got a decent density negatives on the first try using standard time 8 1/4 min @ 75F for TMAX 400 dev in tmax 1:7 (rotary) exposed @ 320 isa.

So, I've learnt to suspect everything. Now I will be adjusting dev time to tailor development to my needs.

And then I am thinking to switch to Tri-X and hc-110.

Life is good.

Thank you all for help.

Still a newbie,
Alex