TRI-X 320/400: what's the story?

[miou]

Can someone tell me for sure, WHY the MF version of Tri-X 400 is rated (in some countries) as 320? For instance in Greece (where I live) when I ask for MF rolls of TRI-X they give me the 320 version (the 400 is NOT available and I have to import it from the UK). Is this a Kodak marketing trick, or are we talking about two entirely different emulsions? 'Cause these films require completely different development times

 

[Ronald Moravec]

400 and 320 are similar but different emulsions. Only with 120 film are both available in the USA.
35mm is 400 and 4x5 is 320.

 

[JHannon]

The Tri-X Pan (TX400) is what I use the most. It is a good general purpose film.

The Tri-X Pan Professional (TXP320), according to Kodak, "is well suited to low flare interior lighting or flash illumination". The 320 also has a thinner acetate base. The development times are also different. So they are two different products.

I hope this helps,
Regards,
John

 

[miou]

So they are two different products.

I thought so...

Thanks for your quick answers guys..

 

[Donald Qualls]

Just to keep things confusing, BOTH kinds of Tri-X still film are available in 120 roll film -- they'll be labeled as either 400TX (same emulsion as the 35 mm Tri-X) or 320TXP (same emulsion as Tri-X sheet film, and also available in 220 last time I checked).

 

[gainer]

Besides the slightly lower speed, the TXP has a longer toe which is more suitable for portraits and other situations where lighting is controlled. It seems that a certain amount of flare is desirable, and if the lighting situation doesn't provide it, Kodak will.