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Best developer for T-Max P3200

gcoates

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2005
Messages
71
Location
Chico, CA
Format
Multi Format
I'm giving T-Max P3200 a try for the first time as I need the speed for some indoor documentary style photos of my kids. It looks like Kodak recommends either Xtol or T-Max developer for push processing this film. Has anyone tried both of these developers with this film? What are the pros and cons of each?
 
I’ve tried both. Liked xtol much better. But then I don’t like Tmax developer on any films I’ve tried it on. I shot it at 1600 and realized it’s too flat. I have some threads out with my issues. I’d shoot it at 3200 and develop in xtol according to Kodak instructions. To me it seems much sharper and finer grain than Delta3200. Still grainy but not popcorn grain like the Ilford 3200 high speed film.
 
Xtol works quite well. Do NOT use Rodinal with this film; it will ruin the highlight details and turn them to paste.
 
XTOL. As opposed to what I have read on the net, I found tmax and dd-x developers to give less shadow details...
Xtol is an amazing developer.

I also like tmz 3200 with ilfosol-3.
 
You might want to try Microphen. It may be one of the few developers that gives a genuine half a stop extra speed which it sounds as if you need so maybe close to 2000 speed.

pentaxuser
 
I used to shoot a lot of P3200 and always used T-max developer. My low light technique with this film has was to shoot wide open at 1/30 and zone focus. Though lately I have taken to using flash in dim and dark light and not using that film anymore.

P3200 in T-max Developer


HP5 + Flash

 
Replenished XTOL is my go to developer.
 
Tmax Developer is what I've always used. I haven't tried Xtol, but it is also popular with Tmax 3200. Don't use D-76, it gives awful tonality with Tmax 3200.
 
The only developer that makes me enjoy TMZ @ 3200 a lot, is TMax Developer... And apart from a healthier tone than Microphen, Xtol and DD-X, it gives crisp, beautiful, yet controlled grain... The first time for me was wow! And the syrup is sooooo long lasting! That developer was not designed for TMax films, but to push TMZ, some say... I never was able to make Delta3200 that good in any developer. I would use TMZ if I could buy it here! Film has to be very fresh...
 
caffenol ( any recipe ) with a splash of any stock print developer you have on hand ( dektol or ansco 130 ar3 my go-2's ). normal agitation ( 1 mins then 10sec/min ). .. about 8 mins. its like GOLD
 
gcoates said:
Thanks, everyone! Anyone have any sample images of P3200 developed in X-tol that they'd be willing to share?
Click to expand...
Here are two prints I made from P3200 developed in xtol 1:1. These were printed on Ilford fiber warmtone developed in Neutol. I guess a lot also depends on how you print the film. Hope this will give you an idea.
this is the negative inverted.
 

XTOL all the way.
 

I have used new (current) TMAX3200 this winter. Including indoors. Developed in TMAX and printed from it. Do not waste your mone. HP5+ gives better results @3200 in HC-110. I'm sure TMAX400 will do the same.
 
Ko.Fe. said:
I have used new (current) TMAX3200 this winter. Including indoors. Developed in TMAX and printed from it. Do not waste your mone. HP5+ gives better results @3200 in HC-110. I'm sure TMAX400 will do the same.
Click to expand...
I have wondered about HP5 at 3200 and developed in Xtol. I have a bunch of HP5. Might have to give that a shot too.
 
I have a follow up question too. Xtol seems to be back-ordered at most places, but the Legacy Pro EcoPro developer is available. Are they comparable?
 
gcoates said:
I have a follow up question too. Xtol seems to be back-ordered at most places, but the Legacy Pro EcoPro developer is available. Are they comparable?
Click to expand...
It probably doesn't work the same in a replenishment regime - which is one of the big advantages in my mind of XTol.
 
I have used both ID-11 and Microphen with good results....I've shot P3200 at anything from 1600 to 12,800 ASA. Very grainy at 12,800 but usable.
 
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