Questions about Delta3200 and TMAX3200 Developing

turbolex · Apr 11, 2007

I just developed my first roll of Delta 3200 shot at 1600, and processed with TMax developer for 7:30 minutes at 70 degrees, with 6 inverstions (about 15 seconds) every minute. Compared to the TMax 3200, the Ilford had a lot less contrast and was pretty grainy. The TMax developer is fresh, and I use it one shot. Has anyone else used these two back to back? Most of the people I talked to said the grain on the Delta is better and has just as much contrast as the TMax. Should I try a different developer for the Ilford?

Neal · Apr 11, 2007

Dear turbolex,

I have found the differences between the two to be minimal. To soften the grain try Xtol at full strength. A test roll that includes a number of different lighting conditions is a good idea.

Neal Wydra

Roger Hicks · Apr 12, 2007

turbolex said:
Most of the people I talked to said the grain on the Delta is better and has just as much contrast as the TMax.

Ilford themselves will tell you it's slightly grainier (and slightly faster) and all my experience with the film, since before it was officially released, bears this out.

As for contrast, well, that's what development times are for...

I find Delta 3200 to be tonally vastly superior, which to me is the biggest argument for switching.

Cheers,

R.

Chazzy · Apr 12, 2007

turbolex said:
I just developed my first roll of Delta 3200 shot at 1600, and processed with TMax developer for 7:30 minutes at 70 degrees, with 6 inverstions (about 15 seconds) every minute. Compared to the TMax 3200, the Ilford had a lot less contrast and was pretty grainy. The TMax developer is fresh, and I use it one shot. Has anyone else used these two back to back? Most of the people I talked to said the grain on the Delta is better and has just as much contrast as the TMax. Should I try a different developer for the Ilford?

It sounds as if you are using miniature format. Why not just switch to the Delta 3200 in 120? That should make a major dent in the grain problem. People who shoot super-fast 35mm film just have to accept that there is going to be a grain problem, don't they?

Roger Hicks · Apr 12, 2007

Chazzy said:
It sounds as if you are using miniature format. Why not just switch to the Delta 3200 in 120? That should make a major dent in the grain problem. People who shoot super-fast 35mm film just have to accept that there is going to be a grain problem, don't they?

I don't accept your premise at all. Grain, yes. Problem, no.

As someone's sign-off says, 'It's supposed to be there'.

There's also the point that you can buy new lenses up to f/1 in 35mm, while f/1.9 is unusual in 120. More often, f/2.8 is a speed king. Using EI 3200 with f/2.8 is like using EI 1600 at f/2; EI 800 at f/1.4 (HP5 pushed 1/3 stop in DD-X); or EI 400 at f/1...

Cheers,

R.

Chazzy · Apr 12, 2007

Well, Roger, if I ever feel the urge to take action shots of some sport which is played in utter darkness, I'm sure I shall kick myself that I can't combine 3200 speed film with an f/1 lens, but so far that situation hasn't arisen much in my hum-drum life.

Chazzy · Apr 12, 2007

On further reflection, the combination of super-fast film and a super-fast lens would be very appealing to the sort of person who is allergic to tripods and doesn't like the look of flash. I'm just not that person; and even if I were, I could never afford the f/1 lens, which would probably get stolen if I tried to wander around taking pictures at night anyway.

Neal · Apr 12, 2007

Dear Chazzy,

The desire to take photographs of indoor sports is not as unusual as you might imagine. TMZ and Delta3200 have been very useful to me over the years. Most recently, my friend's son was playing indoor soccer. His mother normally does a great job outdoors with her digital Rebel and zoom lens, but indoor she could get nothing. Rating TMZ at 12,800 allowed me to shoot at f4 and 1/250 with a 135mm lens. The extra push even helped offset the flat light and the flare from shooting through glass. Prize winning photos? Not by a longshot. Nice memories for the parents, certainly.

In only use about a dozen rolls (combined) of TMZ/Delta3200 a year, but I love having it around.

Neal Wydra

Roger Hicks · Apr 12, 2007

Chazzy said:
On further reflection, the combination of super-fast film and a super-fast lens would be very appealing to the sort of person who is allergic to tripods and doesn't like the look of flash. I'm just not that person; and even if I were, I could never afford the f/1 lens, which would probably get stolen if I tried to wander around taking pictures at night anyway.

I'm not allergic to tripods, but I do loathe the look of flash. All I meant was, grain isn't a problem unless you choose to define it as one.

Cheers,

R.

Daniel_OB · Apr 12, 2007

Roger is correct. Delta 3200 is not to be used whenever light is low. There are conditions where it should be used, and in that case the best SUITABLE technique is employed.
I use it for weddings at reception and develop it in Rodinal. No flash no tripod. For sure there are number of other use (e.g. subway train,...)
And about the grain. Who use Delta 3200 he knows what grain he will get and it is a problem or advantage (I do not use it if a problem). Who want to start to use it he will be better of to learn how to do it, and when, and why.
Anyway I like the grain on some photographs, it adds drama.

www.Leica-R.com

turbolex · Apr 12, 2007

I like the grain, and I'm not looking for grainless photos. I guess I just noticed that the TMax seemed to look better, but most people were telling me they liked the Delta 3200 better. I might try some more Delta with different developers.

turbolex · Apr 12, 2007

Daniel_OB said:
Roger is correct. Delta 3200 is not to be used whenever light is low. There are conditions where it should be used, and in that case the best SUITABLE technique is employed.
I use it for weddings at reception and develop it in Rodinal. No flash no tripod. For sure there are number of other use (e.g. subway train,...)
And about the grain. Who use Delta 3200 he knows what grain he will get and it is a problem or advantage (I do not use it if a problem). Who want to start to use it he will be better of to learn how to do it, and when, and why.
Anyway I like the grain on some photographs, it adds drama.

www.Leica-R.com

How do you use the Rodinal, dilution, time, and what do you shoot the Delta at? Thanks.

Questions about Delta3200 and TMAX3200 Developing

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