Pushing TMY in Pyrocat?

I'd like to do some portraiture work with 8x10 TMY. I've been given some good advice already (thanks jdef!), but have a specific question about pushing TMY. I normally shoot TMY at EI 400 for pyrocat development or EI 200 for ABC development. I'd like to shoot it at 1600, if possible, to get some faster shutter speeds for my younger subjects. Can I get an acceptable 2 stop push from TMY in pyrocat? Will I lose a bunch of shadow detail? What about contrast? I also have F09 (Rodinal) on hand if this will work better for pushing.

I'm pretty ignorant about pushing film & will appreciate any advice you can give.

I don't mean to hijack your thread but was wondering what good advice you were given. I am about to embark on some LF (5x7) portraits, and could use all the help I can get.

mark,

I'd like to keep this thread on topic, at least until I get some answers; but will gladly share the info I was given in a pm to you.

In fact, LF portraiture tips probably deserves it's own thread as I could use all the help I can get as well.

Thanks Matt, sorry for the interuption. Your PM was very helpful.

Matt, I have always felt "push" processing is a myth. Underexposing and overdeveloping is a recepy for disaster. OTOH, if I was in a situation like yours, I would most likely pre expose the film to "kick start" the latent image and then do as you are planning to do, underexpose by 2 stops. The pre exposure migh help you keep some of the detail in the shaodows, but dont expect excellent results.

I have used TMX 400 for many years and have found it does not do well when underexposed, it really requires precise exposures to shine.

Also, I was reading a thread last night and if I recall correctly some developers give you and extra push, I beleive DDX was mentioned. While Pyrocat is great and gives full manufacturer speed, I dont think it is the best choice for "push" processing.

If you insist on using Pyrocat, I would say process it as if it were a pt/pd negative and use the 2:2:100 dilution. You might get a little bit more fog, but in this case, coupled with pre exposure it might just give you good results.

Haven't used TMY, but the development I use for portraits is to do an N+1 as my normal time for pale skin. This expands skin tones and gives better separation (this is with a normal exposure, not a push of one stop). I think a 2 stop push may work, but it may also give too much contrast. Depends a lot on lighting, skin tones and many other factors. Only way to find out is to try it.