T-Max Developer & Tri-x 320 Sheet Film

[Shangheye]

I have looked everywhere, and all I have found is that Kodak do not recommend using T-Max developer for TXP 320, but only T-Max RS for TXP 320 sheet film. Can anyone shed any light as to why I can't use normal T-Max developer? I develop in dip and dunk tanks and tend to use T-Max developer as a one shot developer when using roll film. I have not tried it with sheet film.

I though initially that maybe the recommendation was because you can not replenish and so T-Max developer would be uneconomic?

Rgds, Kal

 

[Shangheye]

bump

 

[MikeSeb]

Kal, it's because of something called "dichroic fog", which is a pinkish-brown residue (silver salts I believe) that can precipitate back onto the film during processing. This happens with sheet films only---not just 320TXP but also with 100TMX and 400TMY---and with TMAX developer but not with TMAX-RS, due to some slight change in the formulation; they are otherwise nearly identical in practice.

The likelihood of this happening seems to have something to do with agitation; when I processed sheet film in trays or hangers/tanks I saw it, but I've not seen it in the Jobo ATL-1500 I've used for several years. Others here have reported no problems even when tray or dip and dunk processing, so it's a variable phenomenon. I'd say waste a sheet or two of film and see if you get the problem; if so, the next time you buy developer just get the RS version and use it for everything.

TMAX developers are underrated in my opinion. I had a heck of a time getting 320TXP to look good until I developed it in TMAX; perfect contrast control, biting sharpness, and beautiful tones were the result. I have been transitioning to developers with longer shelf lives, now that I'm doing far more C-41 color neg than traditional B&W; TMAX, HC-110, and D76 I mix myself are going to be my mainstays.

Report back on your progress, will you?

Mike

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

"dichroic fog" ... it's a variable phenomenon

Ditto the whole post.

Dichroic fog is the redeposition of metalic silver from the silver dissolved by the developer's S. Sulfite. When the film is viewed in reflected light the fog shows as a blue-green metalic sheen, when viewed in transmitted light it shows as a brown stain. The problem can be solved by using a sulfite-free developer such as PC-TEA or Rodinal or by adding a sequestering/chealating chemical to the developer.

I have no idea why sheet film is more susceptible, or why Kodak left the sequesterant out of TMax developer. I have had it happen in Jobo's, so while continuous agitation may mitigate the likelihood of fog, it does not eliminate the problem.

As the fog is a surface phenomenon, some people have reported success in wiping it from freshly developed film with a bit of cotton wool. Best, of course, not to let it happen in the first place.

 

[Shangheye]

Thanks guys. I use Rodinal with TXP too in sheet and all is well there, but very different to the contrast bite of T-Max. I will try a sheet the next time I am developing rolls (I tank develop and blowing 200ml of T-Max for one sheet is a bit excessive). I will definitely report back! Rgds, K