T-Max 400 film with T-Max developer

3 Columns

A
3 Columns

  • 6
  • 7
  • 145
Couples

A
Couples

  • 4
  • 0
  • 105
Exhibition Card

A
Exhibition Card

  • 6
  • 4
  • 143

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
199,061
Messages
2,785,599
Members
99,792
Latest member
sepd123
Recent bookmarks
0

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,014
Format
8x10 Format
What is missing here is that we don't even know the level of exposure involved. Are you using true box speed 400 ?

I admittedly don't have any experience with TMaX developer, but I do with TMax RS, and know that at elevated temperature and strong concentration, the contrast level or gamma takes off like a rocket.
 
Last edited:

Dave Krueger

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
714
Location
Huntsville, Alabama
Format
Multi Format
What is missing here is that we don't even know the level of exposure involved. Are you using true box speed 400 ?

I admittedly don't have any experience with TMaX developer, but I do with TMax RS, and know that at elevated temperature and strong concentration, the contrast level or gamma takes off like a rocket.
When it was first introduced, I was under the impression that TMax developer was intended to be used at 75F. See here.

I always shoot TMax 100 and 400 at box speed, so I suppose that could explain the higher density/contrast, but I don't get that higher density with other developers such as Xtol.
 

DREW WILEY

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
14,014
Format
8x10 Format
Unlike many other films, I strongly recommend using box speed for TMax films. And I wish I could give a firm answer respecting TMax developer. But as far as related TMax RS is concerned, it was engineered in the first place to achieve a longer straight line clear down into the toe than common developers like D76.
But you need to understand some of the history behind that. Back then TMax was intended as the silver bullet replacing several popular older films. One of those was the usage of Super-XX for sake of RGB color separations from color transparencies. Dye transfer printing was still commercially alive, at least for awhile. An especially long consistent straight line was needed for that kind of purpose, plus relatively high contrast potential at the same time. And it was discovered that 75F was the sweet point in that respect.

But that doesn't mean that level of temperature is ideal for general photographic purposes. In fact, there is a distinct risk of edge frilling that hot. I ran plenty of very careful tests involving an expensive thermoregulator that consistently kept temp within 1/10 deg of that. I even spoke in person to one of the people involved in that 75 F specification. Somehow things got stuck in that gear after the original reason was long forgotten. But that doesn't mean you have to do things that way. Less temp, maybe less time too might be wise to experiment with. Or just go back to a more comfortable developer.
 
OP
OP
warden

warden

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
3,056
Location
Philadelphia
Format
Medium Format
I used to use TMax regularly years ago, before I switched to Xtol, and don't remember ever having this problem then. Could the density issue possibly have something to do with the "new formula"?
.
I also used it in the past without issue. I didn’t know there was a new formula actually. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Dave.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom