Good films for speed in D-76

[mjk]

I'm looking to shoot some gymnastics and would like the ability to get decent handheld shots with either a 75-150 f/3.5 or a 70-210 f/4. Given that my school's darkroom has standardized on D-76, I'd like to know what sorts of films work well in D-76 and can give me the decent levels of detail in the 1600-3200 (which I figure I'll need to get the 1/125 to 1/250 shutter speeds my lenses demand for sharp handholding) I know this would be easier if I could use "exotic" developers, but I can't and help would be much appreciated.

 

[Pinholemaster]

I like the Fujifilm Neopan 1600.

Have had good results with Kodak's Tmax 3200.

Haven't used Ilford's Delta-3200, but all other Ilford films I've used are terrific.

 

[PhotoJim]

T-Max 3200 and Delta 3200 should both work okay in D-76. Shoot it at the lowest EI you can to maximize shadow detail (and yet provide a sufficient shutter speed). I shoot Delta 3200 at 800-1000 when the light lets me.

 

[nyoung]

Back when I was teaching high school on a limited budget - like I assume yours is - we used to get decent 1600 speed out of HP5 and/or Tri-x with a developing time of 16-18 minutes (depending on temperature) with minimal agitation.
Shoot and develop a roll in the gym in question a day or so before the event to try out whatever film you wind up with.
Also, don't forget a monopod. It will lower your threshold shutter speed at least one stop even with your short zoom.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'd go with Delta 3200.

 

[mjk]

Back when I was teaching high school on a limited budget - like I assume yours is - we used to get decent 1600 speed out of HP5 and/or Tri-x with a developing time of 16-18 minutes (depending on temperature) with minimal agitation.
Shoot and develop a roll in the gym in question a day or so before the event to try out whatever film you wind up with.
Also, don't forget a monopod. It will lower your threshold shutter speed at least one stop even with your short zoom.

Actually, I go to a second string state college where the darkroom is located on the 8th floor of our library building. We probably have even less of a budget that your HS did. The reccomendations still sound good, though.