T-max 100 development

ronnie_retro

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Howdy,

I apologize if this question has been previously explored.

I shoot both 35 and 120 formats and use a Nikon coolscan 2000. For B&W ISO 100 I like T-max, but never felt the standard Kodak developer delivered the perceived sharpness this otherwise fine film should deliver. I'm old school enough that I'd prefer that the sharpness be in the negative before any digital nonsense is done.

I was going to try Paterson FX-39 but - this from Paterson - all Paterson chemistry has been discontinued (seem to hear way too much of that these days).

Photographer's Formulary offers a high acutance developer for T-max which I haven't tried yet. Does anyone have a preferred development method for T-max to boost acutance?

Thanx in advance-
 
I use the Formulary TF-4 fixer now and I'm impressed. Quick times, long life, easy mixing. I wouldn't hesitate in trying anything else from them.
 
Stephanie makes a point, though here's something more specific - if you really want high acutance, try PF TFX-2. This one seriously high definition developer. You might even get actual grain with TMX.

You might also just try D76 1+3, which, I think, is a bit higher acutance than rodinal.

FX-39 isn't gone, by the way. From what I understand, they are shifting to a different company for the actual production of the chemicals. But not solidified yet. I'll go research and update if I find anything.

allan
 
T max has pleanty of sharpness. You don`t see it because the the local contrast is lowish.

The film was designed that way so it could be contracted and expanded with development as photographers were complaining at the the time.

I think Delta 100 has less of these issues and is as sharp for all practical uses.

You can do pretty much what you want with D76/ID11 undiluted or diluted up to 1:3.
 
It's pretty good developped in Tmax, so are acros, delta and all the T grain films really.
 
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