DD-X vs TMAX Dev. for push processing

[Harry Lime]

In a nutshell my problem is that Delta3200 has hit nearly 6GBP a roll. I shoot a lot of film, around 40 rolls a month, sometimes more. London is pretty gloomy in the fall an winter, so 1600asa is a must for street work, but I will go bankrupt shooting that much Delta3200. Therefore I am looking for alternatives.

So, far here are my options:

Tmax2 400 @ 1600asa
Tri-X 400 @ 1600asa

Neopan 1600 @ 1600 (lots of contrast, good during daylight hours)

Currently I would develop all of these in DD-X. Then a few days ago I was looking at a developer chart on the Kodak site and noticed that the great yellow father claims that Tmax developer gives more shadow detail than even Xtol. Logic would dictate that this would be a good thing for push processing.

Has anyone used both DD-X and TMAX developer for push processing and would care to share their experience?

thanks

 

[mAhdi]

You may also consider Delta 400, I'm processing it regularly @3200 with DD-X and it gives very good results (imo better than Delta 3200@3200, grain looks more natural not like "potatoes").

Not sure price wise, it's comparable here with the other options mentioned.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Harry,

7dayshop.com lists Delta 3200 (135) at £3.20 and Silverprint list the film at £5.95 inc VAT less 30% if you buy 10 or more rolls.

Tom.

 

[Simon E]

Delta 3200 is £3.95/roll from those lovely people at Mathers. They have some 120 dated 07/08 for £1.50/roll too.

I didn't like T-max's ability to send highlights through the roof with the originall T-max films so haven't used it for ages. TBH the only answer is to buy a pack and try it. My guess is that, even if you eke more speed from it, you'll struggle to beat DD-X for allround capability.

 

[Michael W]

DDX is a nice dev, but I find it expensive. Not sure if that's just because I'm buying it in Australia.
I shoot a lot of Neopan 1600 & process in Diafine. Gives me a true 1600 with small grain & nice tonality.
I know you only asked about some other devs but Diafine is also very cost effective as you reuse it. My first batch lasted over a year & did 70 or more rolls of film. I lost track.

 

[Ken N]

Delta 400 pushed two stops, process DD-X

I shoot Delta 400 pushed two stops, processed in DD-X. This gives me better results than ANY 1600/3200 film. Of course, "better" by my own visual interpretation.

I have also tried HP5+ in DD-X pushed two stops. It does remarkably well, too, but the contrast curve is not as linear as Delta 400.

As a push developer, I personally find DD-X unequalled. It is more expensive than other developers, but I can use it on any film for any purpose. Nice stuff. I like how it processes PanF too.

AG-Schnozz

 

[Harry Lime]

Has anyone then tried Tmax developer for pushing?

DD-X works like a charm, but isn't always available.

 

[elmariachi]

I have only used TMax dev thus far, but I only got into photography like 10months ago so I'm not as savvy as you guys.

anyway I bought TMax because the store didn't have Rodinal and I pushed a TMax100@800
http://www.flickr.com/photos/el--mariachi/4650309007/
It's not well focused because the lens had an issue, but I hope it can still be of help:rolleyes:

 

[brianmquinn]

Arista Premium B&W 400 and Diafine is the cheapest high speed combo out there. It is not so great in flat light however.