TMax developer for Tri-X film?

[David_Manning]

I'd like some current feedback from anyone who is developing their Tri-X in TMax developer and likes the result.

I stopped by my local supplier for a new bottle of HC-110 and they told me they're only stocking TMax from now on.

It's a bit of a drive, so I bought the TMax developer just in case, but has anyone had any problems? How about suggestions for dilutions and development?

Thanks in advance.

----David.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

I never did that but have heard of horrible results. You might know it's better to pair classic / t-grain products instead of mixing them...

Years ago someone at school tried and he gave up... I remember his times were short, near four minutes or less, but of course that depends on the kind of light and metering.

You shouldn't do it. There are lots of better options... If the roll is shot, buying other developer soon. If it's not, the same, or if it's an urgency, t-max film is everywhere...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Steve M.]

You might want to mix it at 1:6 instead of 1:4. Standard development time. 68 degrees I think. TMax dev is more for pushing. You'll get more grain w/ TMax dev vs 110 or D76, but if you shoot 120 film it will be fine. My local lab does my Tri-X in TMax all the time, and they are a really bad lab, but it works well. I don't trust them to do my 35mm Tri-X in it though.

You could always just order what you need from Freestyle Photo. Great prices, wonderful service. http://www.freestylephoto.biz/index.php

 

[Fawley]

I can't help you with TMax, but recently switched form HC-110 to XTol (1:1) and liked it much better for HP5, both at EI 400 and 800. I follow Kodak's directions for development time and agitate every minute (I think Kodak recommends every 30 secs). As an aside, if you like the developer you are currently using, why not order from an online house like Freestyle? Then you get to decide on your developer instead of your local supplier.