Indeed, Kodak did announce a new and improved T-MAX 400 film this morning. I personally find this exciting news, as it demonstrates that film is still alive at Kodak, and in fact they have been working on improving their existing silver halide emulsions.
I've had the opportunity to use this film extensively, in 120 size, for the past month. Though my primary film, since its introduction, has been Kodak Professional T-MAX 100, I have also used T-MAX 400 when needed for extremely low light situations, or when wind or other source of movement is a concern. In my experience the updated version of the T-MAX 400 film is noticeably finer grain than its predecessor. Kodak states that the new Professional T-MAX 400 is "now the world's sharpest, finest grain 400 speed black and white film."
Here is a link to the web page where you can find the Kodak press release announcing the new T-MAX 400 film:
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=2509&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=6620
I have been processing the new T-MAX 400 120 film in D-76 1+1 for 7 minutes at 68©F with manual agitation for 5 seconds every 30 seconds. This processing procedure has produced negatives of excellent quality for enlarging with a diffusion light source. The grain structure has a smoothness that to my eye I have never experienced in a film of this speed.
Kodak will be distributing free samples of the film (35mm size only) to those attending PhotoPlus Expo in New York City, October 18-20, at the Jacob Javits Center. In addition, Kodak is presenting a panel discussion, "Black and White Photography in the 21st Century," on Friday, October 19th from 3:00 - 4:45 PM. This event is free to all those attending the PhotoPlus Expo show, and will be held in the Presentation Theater in he Jacob Javits Center. I'm pleased to be a part of this panel discussion, along with photographers Michael Crouser, Liz Gilbert, and Kristen Ashburn. All of us will be discussing our current work and our decisions in terms of why we work in black and white photography. There will be a drawing at the conclusion of the event, where attendees will have the opportunity to win silver gelatin prints from each of the four panel members. If you're attending PhotoPlus, it would be great to see you at the panel discussion.
In addition, I will be in the Kodak booth to visit with people and sign books at the following times:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
I hope to have the opportunity to make some new APUG friends from among APUG members, as well as visit with old friends during the PhotoPlus Expo.
I'm on the road traveling right now, so I won't have much access to the APUG forum or email until after I return from PhotoPlus.
Will Kodak have a seperate technical data sheet for this film, or will they update the existing one to incorporate the new ISO 400 film?Indeed, Kodak did announce a new and improved T-MAX 400 film this morning. I personally find this exciting news, as it demonstrates that film is still alive at Kodak, and in fact they have been working on improving their existing silver halide emulsions.
I've had the opportunity to use this film extensively, in 120 size, for the past month. Though my primary film, since its introduction, has been Kodak Professional T-MAX 100, I have also used T-MAX 400 when needed for extremely low light situations, or when wind or other source of movement is a concern. In my experience the updated version of the T-MAX 400 film is noticeably finer grain than its predecessor. Kodak states that the new Professional T-MAX 400 is "now the world's sharpest, finest grain 400 speed black and white film."
I have been processing the new T-MAX 400 120 film in D-76 1+1 for 7 minutes at 68©F with manual agitation for 5 seconds every 30 seconds. This processing procedure has produced negatives of excellent quality for enlarging with a diffusion light source. The grain structure has a smoothness that to my eye I have never experienced in a film of this speed.
.. and that would be great to read in B&W mag [UK]
Although professional photographers acknowledge that digital cameras offer certain benefits, they said that film better captures certain images, particularly black-and-white photos.
They should not be surprising. I've said here before that Kodak continues to do R&D on analog materials. The problem is that the bang for buck is going down due to analog being a rather mature field of research.
Therefore, the new stuff is coming out, but more slowly than before, and also at a reduced rate to match the decline in the market.
PE
Although professional photographers acknowledge that digital cameras offer certain benefits, they said that film better captures certain images, particularly black-and-white photos.
Will we be seeing something nice in a size 7x17 yellow?
John Powers
Shutterbig has already agreed a review; Frances is waiting to hear from David Corfield; and we'll certainly give it some thought for the site.Roger. And/or a paid for module on the RogerandFrancesPhotography site. I too look forward to reading your review. I might even buy whichever mag it appeared in. Thanks
pentaxuser
Well, yes, but the particular weakness of T-Max films is the spectral sensitivity that resembles B&W video or digital B&W.
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