T-Max developer

[alanrockwood]

I don't see T-Max developer discussed much compared to some of the other developers. Is T-Max the favorite developer of any of you here?

As I see it T-Max developer has two things going for it: 1) Good film speed when films are developed in it, and 2) Convenience.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I use T-Max developer on T-Max film.

Jeff

 

[marciofs]

I have a bottle of T-max developer more than 2 Years on a bright shelf. I don't know why I alway keep buying R09 and Ilfotec instead of use the T-max developer.

 

[Dr Croubie]

I've been using microphen for developing my Delta 3200 for the last few months. However, a few weeks ago, I was going over some old negs that I got done at a lab, and from what I remember they were using TMax Dev.
These older negs had so much less grain compared to my microphen ones, so I thought I'd try some TMax Dev in a direct test to see how it compared to microphen. Devved them last weekend, haven't scanned/printed yet to see though...

 

[Nuff]

From what I have read, tmax dev is comparable to ddx. But cheaper and last 2 years after opening instead of 6 months. Once I run out of ddx (around 2 more rolls, I will use tmax.

Also I hate the cap on ddx bottle. It welded itself to the bottle and I had to cut it up with a knife.

 

[Konical]

Good Morning, Alan,

T-Max is a terrific developer. In addition to the two positive points you mention, I'd add that the concentrate has a very long shelf life. I use it 1:7 and don't regularly process large amounts of film, so cost isn't much of a factor for me.

Konical

 

[mexipike]

From what I have read, tmax dev is comparable to ddx. But cheaper and last 2 years after opening instead of 6 months. Once I run out of ddx (around 2 more rolls, I will use tmax.

Also I hate the cap on ddx bottle. It welded itself to the bottle and I had to cut it up with a knife.

I love DDX but I had that problem once too!

If TMax is pretty much the same stuff I may switch too, for economical reasons.

 

[mopar_guy]

T-Max Developer is a good choice for general purpose use and also great for push processing.

 

[ic-racer]

Google search for "T-max developer" yields about 6,740 results. I think it is a great developer. I have been using it for all films since 1986. It is an excellent developer for a contemporary darkroom that may only get intermittent use.

 

[MattKing]

T-Max RS is a great option as well, and as it is easy to use in a replenisment regime, which also makes it more economical.

 

[removed account4]

T-Max RS is a great option as well, and as it is easy to use in a replenisment regime, which also makes it more economical.

be advised, the RS version this is also the choice if you plan to process SHEET FILM, otherwise you run the risk or dichrioc fog

 

[mts]

I have been using a TMax "clone" mixed from scratch. It was reverse-engineered and published in a long-gone photo newsgroup. It has been my go-to developer for many years now. I use it to replace where I previously would use D-76.

 

[Dr Croubie]

be advised, the RS version this is also the choice if you plan to process SHEET FILM, otherwise you run the risk or dichrioc fog

As was explained to me by the guys in the store, the TMax Dev is for tubes and such but aren't good in trays, the TMax RS is for anything.
So given that I process my 4x5s and 8x10s in a Jobo tank with 2509n and CL81 (the 4x5s I generally do 1-min inversions, the 8x10 I constantly roll or it uses 2L of dev vs 600ml), the TMax Dev should be good enough for me (that said, I haven't yet tried TMax RS, it's not very available down here).
Or is there any other reason to not use TMax Dev for sheets?

 

[MattKing]

FWIW, the Kodak datasheet expressly warns against using T-Max developer for sheet film, and specifies T-Max RS as the alternative.

 

[Dave in Kansas]

Also I hate the cap on ddx bottle. It welded itself to the bottle and I had to cut it up with a knife.

Use caution when removing the foil on the DD-X bottle. The foil is fairly heavy and I sliced my thumb open when attempting to tear the foil off. I added a few drops of blood to my developer to see if it had a positive effect on my negatives, but I couldn't see any difference.

Dave

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear Dave in Kansas....

I do not think you can claim this to be an addition to the product and therefore an improvement......
nor do I think I could pay you a royalty unless you bleed into every bottle !

Seriously Dave, I am really sorry you wounded yourself, sadly we have to use a pretty 'robust' cover to avoid the 'leakers' .

Hope your thumb is OK now...

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[removed account4]

As was explained to me by the guys in the store, the TMax Dev is for tubes and such but aren't good in trays, the TMax RS is for anything.
So given that I process my 4x5s and 8x10s in a Jobo tank with 2509n and CL81 (the 4x5s I generally do 1-min inversions, the 8x10 I constantly roll or it uses 2L of dev vs 600ml), the TMax Dev should be good enough for me (that said, I haven't yet tried TMax RS, it's not very available down here).
Or is there any other reason to not use TMax Dev for sheets?

FWIW, the Kodak datasheet expressly warns against using T-Max developer for sheet film, and specifies T-Max RS as the alternative.

EXACTLY !

 

[Hatchetman]

I assumed the regular TMax was too volatile or something, causing fumes which could be irritating/toxic in big open trays. I'm just guessing that.

 

[Jim Jones]

FWIW, the Kodak datasheet expressly warns against using T-Max developer for sheet film, and specifies T-Max RS as the alternative.

However, I mix small amounts of T-Max developer as needed for tray development of sheet film, and have never had a problem with it over many years. Larger amounts diluted for roll film have long shelf life.

 

[MattKing]

Dear Dave in Kansas....

I do not think you can claim this to be an addition to the product and therefore an improvement......
nor do I think I could pay you a royalty unless you bleed into every bottle !

Seriously Dave, I am really sorry you wounded yourself, sadly we have to use a pretty 'robust' cover to avoid the 'leakers' .

Hope your thumb is OK now...

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

Hi Simon:

The "covers" are the only things that (slightly) irritates me about Ilford chemicals.

Is there any way you could add a small "tab" to them, so as to permit grabbing them and rolling/peeling them off?

And while I'm at it ...

Is there a reason that Ilfostop isn't available in anything larger than 500 ml containers? At my favourite solution volume, that is only 5 printing sessions (at full strength).

 

[pdeeh]

Is there any way you could add a small "tab" to them, so as to permit grabbing them and rolling/peeling them off?
.

yes yes yes please

 

[Dave in Kansas]

I just figure that learning how to open the container (in my case grab with pliers next time) is part of the learning curve for using a new developer.

Dave

 

[Alan Klein]

For whatever it's worth, my pro lab uses Xtol to develop Tmax. Have no idea why.

 

[Dave in Kansas]

A lab near me also uses Xtol. I think it is popular because when used in a replenishment system it is very economical. And it works extremely well. Both Xtol and TMAX are great developers.

 

[GarageBoy]

Where is everyone finding TMax developer? I can only get the RS version