T max film:

vin88 · Sep 25, 2020

I recived several unused rolls of T MAX 400. i have never used this film, always used Fugi. how good is this film? Vin

jcdeboever · Sep 25, 2020

It has a more modern grain structure, assuming you have current stuff...not expired. It is a low grain look film with the latitude capable of deep blacks and detailed highlights. It is a similar look to digital but has the latitude to develop a unique look. I personally do not care for it, I may as well shoot digital. It develops extremely well in Kodak's Tmax developer. You can reach for unique looks with careful development, when using Rodinal but you need to take notes. This film doesn't respond well to frequent agitation when using solvent based developers, let it stand and work the shadows, while keeping the highlights under control.

dxqcanada · Sep 25, 2020

JC does point out something that I noticed with T-Max ... it works best with T-Max developer.
I did not use it much, as I preferred Tri-X or Ilford Delta 400 over it ... for some reason I remember a pink base?

terri · Sep 26, 2020

For quick, down & dirty shooting, it's good. I've used it mainly in the Holga, for the speed and latitude. T Max developer is also easy as a one-shot developer, long shelf life and not picky about temperature.

If you were given this film for free, take the gift and have a play with it. I would only encourage you to use the T Max developer for best results, but I don't know how critical that is.

Hope you post your results!

webestang64 · Sep 26, 2020

T-Max files are amazing films. Low grain, easy to push. Use T-Max developer at 1:1 for optimum results. If the film is out dated, use Kodak X-Tol at 1:1 to reduce base fog.
FYI....D-76 or ID-11 will give a slightly contraster negative then T-Max developer.
PDF....... https://imaging.kodakalaris.com/sites/prod/files/files/products/f4043_tmax_400.pdf

mjcmt · Sep 26, 2020

I'm no aficionado with films but it was my film of choice in the 80-90s.
I liked it better than Tri-X and used it exclusively on the streets and music festivals for it's low grain and excellent contrast.

vin88 · Sep 26, 2020

thanks to you all. i'll give it a whirl. vin

Pixeldawg1 · Sep 26, 2020

jcdeboever said:
It has a more modern grain structure, assuming you have current stuff...not expired. It is a low grain look film with the latitude capable of deep blacks and detailed highlights. It is a similar look to digital but has the latitude to develop a unique look. I personally do not care for it, I may as well shoot digital. It develops extremely well in Kodak's Tmax developer. You can reach for unique looks with careful development, when using Rodinal but you need to take notes. This film doesn't respond well to frequent agitation when using solvent based developers, let it stand and work the shadows, while keeping the highlights under control.

Works best with T-Ma developer to get the least amount of grain.

Mark

cgw · Sep 28, 2020

Consistently nice results with 120 TMY-2 with whatever developer my lab uses to soup the stuff.

dxqcanada · Sep 28, 2020

mjcmt said:
View attachment 198051

That last image reminds me of BitterJeweler for some reason

mjcmt · Sep 28, 2020

dxqcanada said:
mjcmt said:

View attachment 198051

Click to expand...

That last image reminds me of BitterJeweler for some reason

Sorry, I'm not sure I know what BitterJeweler is.

Soocom1 · Sep 28, 2020

Have to agree that it was light years ahead of Tri-X and Pan X but Plus X would prob. give it some competition. (But were talking about film discontinued in the late 1960's. )

There are multiple articles on the developer to use, though the T-Max was specifically designed to bring out the grain structure to its fullest.

Agfa and ilford developers won't do it justice unless your looking for a specific look. but that a LOT of experimenting to figure.

SoulfulRecover · Sep 30, 2020

Tmax is 100% my go to when I need to shoot a quality B&W film followed by Ilford Delta 100. Tried Ilford HP5 finally and probably wont ever buy it again. Super disappointed in the results and I don't like the grain structure.

jcdeboever · Oct 1, 2020

SoulfulRecover said:
Tmax is 100% my go to when I need to shoot a quality B&W film followed by Ilford Delta 100. Tried Ilford HP5 finally and probably wont ever buy it again. Super disappointed in the results and I don't like the grain structure.

You would probably love Fujifilm Acros II

SoulfulRecover · Oct 1, 2020

jcdeboever said:
SoulfulRecover said:

Tmax is 100% my go to when I need to shoot a quality B&W film followed by Ilford Delta 100. Tried Ilford HP5 finally and probably wont ever buy it again. Super disappointed in the results and I don't like the grain structure.

Click to expand...

You would probably love Fujifilm Acros II

I'll have to get a box and give it a try. I'm on a monthly "buy a box of film even if I don't need it" kick so I can stock pile while I can. I have a bad feeling that Kodak's about to drop their sheet film for some reason.