kshapero
South Florida Man
Mind has gone blank. Examples of T-grain films, please?
T-grain films?
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markinlondon
Elmar user
Kadak T-Max 100, 400, 3200. Ilford Delta 100, 400 and 3200 use similar technology but are referred to as "epitaxial grain" emulsions as far as I recall.
EmilGil
Well-known
I think Mark named them all except for one, Fuji Acros.
Some people claim Fomapan 200 is a T-grain film too but many people oppose to that.
Some people claim Fomapan 200 is a T-grain film too but many people oppose to that.
Chad
Established
I'm curious as to what people's experiences have been regarding Delta 100 vs T-Max 100.
I've yet to use T-Max but found the Delta 100 to be a fantastic film. Smooth, no grain at 8x10, creamy.
Chad
I've yet to use T-Max but found the Delta 100 to be a fantastic film. Smooth, no grain at 8x10, creamy.
Chad
ChrisN
Striving
Could someone expand on what T-grain is all about? Presumably a somewhat different chemistry, aimed at producing fine grain? Any trade-off? Fussy to develop?
charjohncarter
Veteran
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
Finder
Veteran
ChrisN said:
It is grain shape. It creates better covering power and so better contrast and density. This does have the benefit of better granularity.
Trade-off? Not that I know of. However, it is not going to act as older emulsions. If you develop it the same as a Plus-X or Tri-X, then you may find it too contrasty. But that is just a matter of controlling your process. And this is why Kodak made a specific developer for T-max films.
ChrisN
Striving
Ah - thanks for the explanation.
Roma
Well-known
T-grain is exactly that, it appears as a letter "T" instead of the round traditional grain. I read somewhere that it's more of an emulsion surface grain compared to the traditional deeper grain and that's why T-grain films are much more temperamental when it comes to proper exposure, but look less grainy.
In my personal experience, I prefer T-grain when I have time to meter for a more formal composition, but most of the time it's Tri-x, Baby, that I'm reaching for.
Another thing that I've noticed is that if 400 iso T-grain films are over-exposed/over-developed, the grain can get quiet ugly.
In my personal experience, I prefer T-grain when I have time to meter for a more formal composition, but most of the time it's Tri-x, Baby, that I'm reaching for.
Another thing that I've noticed is that if 400 iso T-grain films are over-exposed/over-developed, the grain can get quiet ugly.
mr_phillip
Well-known
ChrisN said:
T-grain films are either an attempt to produce decent sharpness with minimum grain clumping, or a handy way for manufacturers to save money – kinda depends who you talk to. T-grain films carry significantly less silver in the emulsion than tradition films, so (from that point at least) are cheaper to manufacture.
The only practical trade-off really is that (with the notable exception of Acros) they tend to be more developer-fussy than most traditional films. Get the combo right though, and it's possible to get some stunning results.
It's worth mentioning that a lot of folks express a strong dislike for the visual character of T-grain films – they do have a common 'look' about them. Personally, my faves are Acros (although it can look a bit, um, digital-esque) and Delta 100. At the higher speeds I much prefer the look of more traditional films (Tri-X, HP5+, Neopan 400 or 1600).
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mr_phillip
Well-known
Roma said:
I'll second that. Also certain developers just seem to bring out that real nasty grain too.
Gray Fox
Well-known
Kodak has the T-Max developer, what do you folks find works well for the Acros and Ilford films?
Fabian
Established
I think the problem why some people don't like t-grain films is that it is far more sensitive to exposing and developing mistakes.
The second point is that most b/w shooters like to see the grain, but the grain of the t grain films is either invisible or quite ugly.
Fabian
The second point is that most b/w shooters like to see the grain, but the grain of the t grain films is either invisible or quite ugly.
Fabian
Chad
Established
If anyone is interested, Kodak has produced a nice, basic explanation of what t-grained film is: http://www.kodak.com/US/plugins/acrobat/en/motion/support/h1/H1_23-27.pdf
Chad
Chad
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