Tmax 400 (TMY2) In your Meterless Leica?

[haziz]

Just how forgiving is Tmax 400 (TMY2) to exposure errors? I am pretty careful in the darkroom so developement is not my concern. I just shot Tri-X (at EI 200) using my M3 and deved in Xtol 1:1, and to my surprise find myself prefering the TMY2 I have been using in my M6 (also developed in Xtol 1:1). I chose Tri-X for the M3 due to it's reputation as a forgiving film. May want to try the TMY2 in my M3 but I will not be metering every shot. Output will be mostly scanned and occasionally wet printed.

Ideas? Input? Feedback?

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Both films are similar... TMY-2 is probably the best ISO 400 film available for its tone, grain and pushing... I develop it in Rodinal: I mean, other developers can require more precision in perfectly exposed frames when if we talk about highlights for wet printing... When I did tests for TMY-2 a few months ago, I used three different ISO's and three different developing times, and without trying to, I found the best ISO's and times for me were exactly those I use for Tri-X years ago, both for direct sun and soft light...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[DonaldJ.]

i find TMax very forgiving in exposures. i have messed up a few times and shot 400 Tmax at 100 and then a few times i have shot it at 800. as long as your developing is right you can shoot it at 100-800 easily IMO.

 

[Tim Gray]

My tests show they have the same amount of shadow detail when exposed the same, i.e. they are the same speed. I think you'll be fine.

 

[Steve M.]

I'm surprised you preferred TMax to Tri X. I just tried a roll of the new TMax and thought it was really flat, but it may depend on what you're shooting. You might try Tri X in D76. That's sort of the classic combination, unless you think Tri X is just too contrasty, in which case it's not a film for you.

 

[Tim Gray]

I found their contrasts were similar. If TMax didn't have enough contrast, extend you development.

 

[cnphoto]

I've developed it at 1600 and 3200 once (sometimes you have no choice). it's a sharp film, but it doesn't have the 'pop' of Tri-X for me. once i finish the last of these few rolls I have left I'll be getting back into Tri-X I think.