SPU:(posted 9707 days ago)I'm not really accomplished in emphasizing grain. My emphasis has been on eliminating grain in my prints. I personally consider grain to be a defect of the photographic process, but I understand those who want to use it as an aesthetic element in their work.
You are correct that film is largely responsible for grain size (and pattern), but the developer is the other half of the equation.
Rodinal, one of the oldest developer formulas in current use, was formulated in the 19th century when photographers were most concerned with emulsion speed and grain was of minor importance. Remember, they were using 8X10 glass plates and making contact prints by sunlight! Rodinal is still used today because it gives a beautiful, luminous tonal scale.
For large grain in your prints, two criteria must be met: 1. The emulsion must have large grain, i.e. a fast film. HP-5+, Tri-X, etc. 2. The developer should be a highly active type that causes grain clumping.
Now that I've had a day or two to think about it, here are some more ideas. Kodak Recording Film 2475 (ISO 4000!) is extremely grainy, but it is also rather ugly. You can develop film in print developer (Dektol) for exaggerated grain clumping. I'm sure someone out there has info on this.
As for T-Max developer, it is one of the best developers around, fine grain with high acutance. Not a good choice if you want big grain.
The best source of information on how the black and white process works is the excellent book, Ilford Monochrome Darkroom Practice. I hope this helps.
BTW, Check your e-mail address. I tried to send this as a reply to your e-mail to me, but it was returned. MDF