What is the difference between Tri-X 400 and TMAX 400 in grain structure?

[DNG]

I know this may be a old question, but, Using Ilford or Fuji B&W 35mm film, I am not familiar with these films.

What is the main difference between Tri-X 400 and TMAX 400 in grain structure. ?

I develop in Rodinal, that makes some difference over D76 in edge sharpness of the silver particles.

My 1st thought....

Tri-X 400 = HP5 in grain look
TMAX 400 = Delta Pro 400 in grain look

 

[Puggie]

Tri-x is a conventional grain (like HP5+), TMax is a tablature/cubic grain (like Delta).

 

[Roger Hicks]

You may find the following of use:

http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/choosing bw films.html (Choosing B+W films)

or from http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps film choice.html



This is principally a matter of crystal size and shape. 'Old technology' films tend to have a wide range of crystal sizes, while the crystals in 'new technology' films are much more carefully controlled: closer to a uniform size, and often a different shape, whether the broad, flat 'tabular' grains of Kodak T-grain technology or epitaxial like the grains of Ilford's Delta series. It is however worth adding that the differences between the two grow ever smaller as the film manufacturers try to 'fake out' the disadvantages of each while adding the advantages of the other.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Photo_Smith]

Tri-x has mainly cubic grain forms and are polydisperse that is the crystal size and sometimes shape can vary.

T-Max has a combination at the top of the emulsion are two layers of 'tabular' grains that are larger at the top record and smaller in the lower one they are uniform in size (monodisperse).
Beneath that is a layer of 3D grain (Kodak speak for cubic type) that is finer and slower probably polydisperse.

So in truth T-Max is not a pure tabular but a hybrid.