Expired T-Max 4x5

[bvy]

I have T-Max 400 film (TMY 4053) expired 7/2003, freezer kept. I'm planning on making exposures in a Crown Graphic camera. I want to develop these in D76 1+1 (one shot) using a Unicolor 8x10 drum on motor base.

I'm wondering if I should rate this higher since it's expired (200?). Also, since I'm developing in drums, I'll be applying constant agitation and should decrease the development time by some amount. Given all of this, the various Kodak docs suggest times between six and eight minutes. I believe, though, that T-Max was "updated" around 2007, so I don't know if the times for the current formulation apply to what I have.

A lot of variables here. Any thoughts from those more experienced with this combination? I'm going to run some tests today, but would just like a reasonable starting point. Thanks.

 

[Bill Burk]

Traditional wisdom says you lose speed and contrast over time... I think you would be fair to expect a speed around 200...

By all means test for development time... two or three different exposures (bracketed 1 stop up and down from metered gray) are enough information to determine the development contrast: a couple stops around metered would be on the straight line, so you could figure the contrast. Expect to develop longer.

I don't develop in rotary drum for 4x5, I use trays. I don't have times for the older formulation. But my D-76 1:1 times for fresh TMAX 400 is 13 minutes 30 seconds (for 0.62 Contrast Index).

 

[Rick A]

My 1996 dark room data guide shows T-Max400 in D-76 1+1 for 12.5 @68f. I would start with iso 200 and bracket to see what happens. I shot a box of Tri-X 1985 exp at 160 and got excellent results, this should work out well for you.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I have T-Max 400 film (TMY 4053) expired 7/2003, freezer kept. I'm planning on making exposures in a Crown Graphic camera. I want to develop these in D76 1+1 (one shot) using a Unicolor 8x10 drum on motor base.

I'm wondering if I should rate this higher since it's expired (200?). Also, since I'm developing in drums, I'll be applying constant agitation and should decrease the development time by some amount. Given all of this, the various Kodak docs suggest times between six and eight minutes. I believe, though, that T-Max was "updated" around 2007, so I don't know if the times for the current formulation apply to what I have.

A lot of variables here. Any thoughts from those more experienced with this combination? I'm going to run some tests today, but would just like a reasonable starting point. Thanks.

You mean rate it lower?Well, I rate TMY at ISO200 anywayand my development time is 10 miutes in a Jobo drum. all the best.I'm sure it will be just fine at 8 minutes as well.

 

[bvy]

Thanks all. Yes, I meant rate it "lower."

I found (I think) the tech sheet for the old version of T-Max:
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/f4016/f4016.pdf

I'm a little concerned that it doesn't even list times for D76 1+1. Stock is 7 minutes at 68F (page 9).

 

[removed account4]

i wouldn't worry about it.
do a test, expose as you normally do 400 ... ..
and process as you normally process it.
i have been shooting tmy expired in 2003
shelf stored, not freezer'd and it is fine ...

your tests should show you the way ...

good luck !
john

 

[bvy]

I guess I'll just pick a time and stick to it. Eight minutes maybe...

 

[MattKing]

Thanks all. Yes, I meant rate it "lower."

I found (I think) the tech sheet for the old version of T-Max:
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/f4016/f4016.pdf

I'm a little concerned that it doesn't even list times for D76 1+1. Stock is 7 minutes at 68F (page 9).

Are you sure?
I see a time of 11 minutes for 1+1 (shown as 1:1 on the data sheet) on the line immediately below the time for D76 stock.

 

[bvy]

Are you sure?
I see a time of 11 minutes for 1+1 (shown as 1:1 on the data sheet) on the line immediately below the time for D76 stock.

I'm looking at the Tray Processing - Sheet times on page 8 -- the closest thing to drum developing.

 

[MattKing]

I'm looking at the Tray Processing - Sheet times on page 8 -- the closest thing to drum developing.

I expect there is no recommendation for 1:1 (or 1+1) because of the concerns about having enough stock solution in the mix.

Remember that you need a minimum of 250 ml stock D76 per roll/8x10 sheet to fulfill Kodak's minimum capacity recommendations.

 

[mopar_guy]

I do not like D-76 1+1 with that film. I like the stock strength for better contrast.

 

[bvy]

I'm more interested to know how you're going to pull off 4x5 in an 8x10 drum.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/unicolor/

 

[Axle]

I'd say shoot it at box speed and develop in TMax developer or Xtol. I've shot much older film (Say 1980s, 70s, 60s) at box speed and get pleasing results!

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/unicolor/

This is exactly how I process my 4x5 films.