TMax Sheet Film Developers

[Chuck_P]

I'm curious what others that routinely use TMax sheet films are using for their developers. I find it interesting that TMax developer is not recommended for TMax sheet films. Thanks.

Edited title to add: ..... Sheet Film .....

 

[Paul Howell]

I used Tmax Dev with TMax 100 and 400 in 35mm, but found that with MF 6X9 or 4X5 I could use D76, Edwal FG7, Rodinal, or Acufine without gain. The gain in Tmax 400 and 100 is much finer than TriX or PlusX and the acutance along with full speed of Tmax Developer or DDX is a good match.

 

[MattKing]

I'm curious what others that routinely use TMax sheet films are using for their developers. I find it interesting that TMax developer is not recommended for TMax sheet films. Thanks.

T-Max RS developer was recommended for sheet film, but it was discontinued due to low sales volume.
T-Max developer is susceptible to causing dichroic fog with sheet materials - thus not recommended.

 

[Konical]

I processed sheet film in the regular T-Max developer for years before I actually noticed the contraindication on the bottle. I found that it works just as well as with roll film. 1:7 from concentrate is my standard; I don't know about other dilutions. I think I read somewhere decades ago that some users experienced difficulties, but I can't remember any details.

Konical

 

[Craig]

The odd time I use T max I use Xtol or occasionally ID11.

 

[Sirius Glass]

XTOL and replenished XTOL work well.

 

[abruzzi]

I like both Xtol and PyrocatHD. Lately I've been using Pyrocat for a lot because I'm not shooting enough to burn through 5L of Xtol.

 

[eli griggs]

I like Rodinal for T-Max 100 and used it years ago for darkroom work for a photographer who, among other products, did a huge amount of Homelite-Textron's landscaping equipment division, just South of the Carowinds turn off, off I-77, in Charlotte, N. C.

I also liked it for 4"x5" portraits, with my Speed Graphic.

It gave consistently sharp, clean results in hand developing negative printing with never a failure to deliver.

I still have some old T-Max 100 Readyloads and this is the combination that I'll use, as well as with 35mm and 120.

I hope this helps and, Godspeed to All,
Eli

 

[DREW WILEY]

TMax RS developer specifically, (note the "RS") was meant for the sheet film products. It is no longer made, and when available, was somewhat on the pricey side to use. Nearly any kind of conventional developer can be used for TMax products, depending on exactly
what you're after. I particularly like PMK staining pyro (which I used for 8x10 film this afternoon); but I also use HC-110 and Perceptol 1:3.
Traditional D76 works OK, but doesn't render the degree of deep shadow separation I seek.

 

[Chuck_P]

I like both Xtol and PyrocatHD. Lately I've been using Pyrocat for a lot because I'm not shooting enough to burn through 5L of Xtol.

My prior experience with 4x5 was only with HC-110 and this was a pro when it came storing it. The syruppy concentrate form was easily stored and easy to mix up when you needed it and extended periods of non-use was no problem.

 

[Kilgallb]

I use D76 stock at 20°C. I use a roller drum with constant agitation. I shoot at ASA50.

 

[ic-racer]

I have been using regular T-max developer with tmax sheet film since 2006.

 

[abruzzi]

My prior experience with 4x5 was only with HC-110 and this was a pro when it came storing it. The syruppy concentrate form was easily stored and easy to mix up when you needed it and extended periods of non-use was no problem.

The syrupy stuff is no longer syrupy--its actually easier to pour and measure now that the viscosity is reduced. I always have some around because its a great fallback when I don't have anything mixed up, but the Pyro and Rodinal can work the same way. My pyro is over a year old and still working normally. I love xtol, but you have to have it mixed up, then that mix has a shorter life than some other shings on my shelf.

 

[Paul Howell]

When I used DDX I never noticed the warning, does DDX have the same warning?

 

[Chuck_P]

I have been using regular T-max developer with tmax sheet film since 2006.

And in 16 years of using regular T-max developer you haven't experienced any of the dichroic fog issue?

 

[PrairiePhotographer]

I use D-76 to develop Tmax 100 and 400. Am happy with the results but haven't compared it to other developers. Will be interested in what others have to say. Based on the early responses, we seem to be all over the map!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

When I shot TMY 4x5 and 8x10, I developed it mainly in Xtol 1+1. I also developed them in Pyrocat-HD. TMY took on a very special look/feel in semi-stand, slightly more dilute Pyrocat-HD.

 

[Chuck_P]

The syrupy stuff is no longer syrupy--its actually easier to pour and measure now that the viscosity is reduced. I always have some around because its a great fallback when I don't have anything mixed up, but the Pyro and Rodinal can work the same way. My pyro is over a year old and still working normally. I love xtol, but you have to have it mixed up, then that mix has a shorter life than some other shings on my shelf.

Well, I didn't know that about HC110, that it is no longer syrupy.

 

[Craig]

I love xtol, but you have to have it mixed up, then that mix has a shorter life than some other shings on my shelf.

I keep it in a wine bag and I have had a batch of stock solution last at least 3 years that way.

 

[Chuck_P]

Regarding shelf life of an XTol working solution........ I'm going to be using the Stearman Press 45 developing tank, that uses 16 ounces of solution. I woukd think that decanting 5 liters of working solution into 16 ounce amber glass bottles would nicely extend the shelf life. It would take ten 16 ounce bottles. But filling each bottle to the brim to remove all oxygen would probably leave somewhat less than 16 ounces to decant in the last bottle.

 

[Ian Grant]

With Xtol split it to 2 2.5 litre bottles, one is the working solution, the other replenisher, works well and you better results with replenished developers.

Ian

 

[Chuck_P]

With Xtol split it to 2 2.5 litre bottles, one is the working solution, the other replenisher, works well and you better results with replenished developers.

Ian

I've always done one shot. In my mind the consistency factor when replenishing would be harder to maintain, as it relates to my ZS testing, personal EI, developing times for expansion and contraction, etc............I admit I'm ignorant on replenishing since I've never done that. Why is it that you say you get better results with replenished developers?

 

[Ian Grant]

Consistency with replenishment is really easy, these developers are designed to be replenished, once seasoned they give finer grain, better sharpness, etc. I started using replenished developers white at school over 50 years ago, it's so simple and economic.

Ian

 

[GregY]

Like Andrew O, I use Pyrocat and have used that and PMK before for over 20yrs. Super economical and great results. I buy the 50 litre kits from Photo Formulary. 5ml@/500ml for roll film. 10ml@/1 litre for sheet film in trays.

 

[Craig]

When I used DDX I never noticed the warning, does DDX have the same warning?

As DDX is an Ilford product, they don't comment on using it with Kodak films. However, they do say it is designed for the Delta line of films, so I can't see why it wouldn't work with TMax.