Difference between T-Max 100 and 400 in medium format?

pkr1979 · Nov 23, 2025

laser said:
I am gratified by all the kind comments on Kodak T-MAX Films. I was the product development engineer and by the time it was introduced Worldwide B&W Product Manager. Because the team working on the project was small, I was responsible for everything from the business case and pricing to writing the specification to measuring the performance to deciding on emulsion performance trade-offs to selecting the names to designing the packaging to presenting the announcement press conference. Gordon Brown suggested the name by combining the T for tabular and MAX for DMax (maximum density) . As I recall I started the work January 1, 1981, almost 45 years ago. The time has flown by, I was having fun.
www.makingKODAKfilm.com

Thanks for chiming in @laser - I would love to hear your take on this

MarkS · Nov 23, 2025

TMX vs. TMY?

TRY IT.

same day, same subject, same lighting. Expose some of each, bracket for insurance purposes.
Develop per your choice.
Print them as big as you want,
Then you'll know.

There are so many variables here (including your own taste) that no one else's answers will work for you.

David R Williams · Nov 23, 2025

laser said:
I am gratified by all the kind comments on Kodak T-MAX Films. I was the product development engineer and by the time it was introduced Worldwide B&W Product Manager. Because the team working on the project was small, I was responsible for everything from the business case and pricing to writing the specification to measuring the performance to deciding on emulsion performance trade-offs to selecting the names to designing the packaging to presenting the announcement press conference. Gordon Brown suggested the name by combining the T for tabular and MAX for DMax (maximum density) . As I recall I started the work January 1, 1981, almost 45 years ago. The time has flown by, I was having fun.
www.makingKODAKfilm.com

Thanks for your reply Bob.

As a happy owner of your second edition, I was very interested to learn so much about the film design and manufacturing process.

I, and I suspect many more, would love to hear more of your experiences in the development of the TMax films, and the trade-offs that were made (and perhaps the considerations that went into such trade-offs) to the extent it wouldn't compromise any confidential commercial information or NDA's that you may still be subject to.

Arthurwg · Nov 23, 2025

mshchem said:
I couldn't see grain in TMY, TMY-2 using my little Paterson "grain" focusing scope, several years ago I found a used Micromega focusing scope could finally see it. I don't make really big enlargements mostly 8x10 from medium format negs. I have used mostly TMY for the last 30 years along with XTOL. These films and the T-grain Kodak color negative films were revolutionary. Still are.

Yes, I don't use it because I can't see the grain to focus. NowlLooking for a Micromega.

ags2mikon · Nov 23, 2025

I'v been using it exclusively as my 400 speed black and white film for the last 5-6 years. I develope it in D-23 1:1 and I have been very happy. I still have some 4x5 left that was passed on to me when a friend passed away. I will just bite the bullet and buy more when it is gone.

Didn't Kodak have a recomendation for using Tmax 100 and Microdol X to replace Panatomic X?

Craig · Nov 23, 2025

ags2mikon said:
Didn't Kodak have a recomendation for using Tmax 100 and Microdol X to replace Panatomic X?

I believe so. The grain on PX wasn't all that fine for it's low speed. TMX is undoubtedly a better film.

Paul Howell · Nov 23, 2025

I am not sure when discontinued PanX and Tech Pan followed by Plus X stating that TMax 100 has finer grain and better resolution than all 3. I doubt that Tmax has better resolution than Tech Pan which was microfiche type film. My 1990 Kodak Professioanl Black and White Films guide does not list Panx or Verichome Pan but recommends Tmax in Microdol X stock at ISO 50 and 100 at 1:3.

mshchem · Nov 23, 2025

laser said:
I am gratified by all the kind comments on Kodak T-MAX Films. I was the product development engineer and by the time it was introduced Worldwide B&W Product Manager. Because the team working on the project was small, I was responsible for everything from the business case and pricing to writing the specification to measuring the performance to deciding on emulsion performance trade-offs to selecting the names to designing the packaging to presenting the announcement press conference. Gordon Brown suggested the name by combining the T for tabular and MAX for DMax (maximum density) . As I recall I started the work January 1, 1981, almost 45 years ago. The time has flown by, I was having fun.
www.makingKODAKfilm.com

You folks did a heck of a Job! I recall hearing on NPR (US National Public Radio) I listened to an actual radio back then. There was a story about a revolutionary development from Eastman Kodak that would allow much finer grain and higher sensitivity for film!
Well I certainly was very excited to hear that! I remember when 35mm Tri-X had clumpy grain.

I have both editions of your book, priceless!

RalphLambrecht · Nov 23, 2025

pkr1979 said:
Hi all,

When comparing these two films in medium format - at what enlargements will you notice a difference in sharpness, resolution and grain?

Cheers
Peter

purely subjective opinion: grain is not an issue with either film. They hardly have any. TMX seems a bit contrastier and sharper(my favorite for landscape and architecture). TMY is a bit softer with better gradation(my favorite for skin tones in female portraits and nudes).

DREW WILEY · Nov 24, 2025

There's no difference is gradation between the two speeds. The characteristic curves make that fact quite apparent. That would simply be an artifact of unequal development. And I think you reversed the two otherwise, Ralph. TMX100 is softer edged.

david schaller · Nov 24, 2025

laser said:
I am gratified by all the kind comments on Kodak T-MAX Films. I was the product development engineer and by the time it was introduced Worldwide B&W Product Manager. Because the team working on the project was small, I was responsible for everything from the business case and pricing to writing the specification to measuring the performance to deciding on emulsion performance trade-offs to selecting the names to designing the packaging to presenting the announcement press conference. Gordon Brown suggested the name by combining the T for tabular and MAX for DMax (maximum density) . As I recall I started the work January 1, 1981, almost 45 years ago. The time has flown by, I was having fun.
www.makingKODAKfilm.com

Thank you for your efforts! Quite an achievement! TMY is my go-to medium format film. (For large format I can't afford to use the T-MAX films at the current prices.)

Ben 4 · Nov 24, 2025

david schaller said:
Thank you for your efforts! Quite an achievement! TMY is my go-to medium format film. (For large format I can't afford to use the T-MAX films at the current prices.)

I've settled on TMY as my standard medium format film—though I don't print larger than 11x14 (though I do crop sometimes). Even on a tripod I find the extra speed helpful when the wind is moving through the foliage.

Difference between T-Max 100 and 400 in medium format?

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