Kodak TMax 100

A new chapter in film comparisons, I look at the differences between Kodak Tri-X as our standard and T-Max 100. All films in these comparisons were shot using the same lighting and position, developed in Kodak D-76 using the manufacturer’s recommended time, and printed on Ilford Classic FB at 11x14 size using the same contrast settings. The printing time varied to cancel any changes in film base fog from film to film. I included the H&D curves for each film to see the individual differences and we look at the overall print, the spectral response of each film, and the grain characteristics.

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[tundrusphoto]

Great to have you back. And thank you for this video.

[mcb]

Been waiting for this one, curious to see how my 22 year old bulk roll compares!

[wotajared]

I bought a few rolls in 35mm years ago to squeeze the format's IQ, most shot in 2019 and 3 rolls last summer. The previous rolls souped in HC110 were flat, and the second time I developed in Adox XT3 (XTOL substitute, running Kodak's time) and they were right on; great contrast printed at grade 2, shot at box speed.
In Europe Kodak BW is very expensive now, so I replaced that stock of 35mm with Delta, which I also shot in 120. TMax (400) is about the technical pinnacle of film and wish I had shot much more TMY than none; but I have standardised on Ilford for B&W.
Paraphrasing one of the Kodak Engineers that participated in forums (most surely Ron Mowrey), TMY was updated to TMY-2 in 2007 but Kodak did not find a need to re-iterate TMX as it was as good as it could technically be.

[johnkaplun]

Tmax 100 is great for landscapes any anything you just want zero grain for in my experience. Its obvious to me how the T grain films were seen as an improvement when they came out with their flat low contrast look, wide latitude, and lack of any real grain.

[markholm]

I went back and looked at your T-Max 400 test. It’s interesting that, using the Kodak recommended times for both, the 400 was a bit over developed while 100 was a bit under. It appears that at this enlargement, it is hard to tell the difference between T-Max 100 and 400 in grain. Probably would have to enlarge them more than this to see any difference clearly.

[MikeyAntonakakis]

Thanks for this! I'm a little confused about Kodak's D-76 recommended times. In the D-76 datasheet, TMAX 100 at stock strength in small tanks is given as 9min at 68F. In the TMAX 100 datasheet, D-76 stock strength is listed as 6:30 at 68F. Any insights? EDIT: apparently Kodak made some changes, but never updated the D-76 datasheet? So it would seem that the latest datasheet for the film would be the one to use...

[szabodaniel]

Got the same development issue with XT3 (Adox Xtol) and T-Max 400. Depressed highlights, though lots of shadow detail. How much time would you recommend adding, 15%?

[c.]

Also wating for the worlds sharpest film, Adox CMS II ... But with this less grain it needs Adotech IV.

[liveinaweorg]

Either you are committed or you should be committed. I haven't decided yet but for now I'll just say thank you 😁

[Mahatma]

I couldn't see much difference in resolution between them.

[arturors]

Would be nice to compare Adox Cms 20 II pro

[ritonmhilli]

Hello
What kind of enlarger are you using diffused light or condenser?
Thanks in advance