Thanks for the comments.(posted 8780 days ago)I did try Xtol one time on TMZ3200 but I wasn't all that pleased with the results. Maybe I gave up on it too quickly. I've never tried Microphen, perhaps it's time to give it a try.
Maybe my question should be "What's the fastest "real speed" B&W film/developer combination", i.e. one that retains as much shadow detail as possible. As you say John, if you're going to have to shoot TMZ at EI 800 to get good shadow detail, you might as well shoot HP5+. Kodak go so far as to say to shoot TMZ3200 at EI 400 for excellent shadow detail. No thanks - I think I can do better than that! Kodak say TMZ is really ISO 800/1000, but then they say Tri-X is ISO 400 too, so I'm not sure I trust their judgement.
Any comments on Neopan 1600? As far as I can tell it's "supposed" to be an ISO 1600 film, not a pushed ISO 800 film. If so it should yield better shadow detail.
I know I'm going to have to do my own testing, but suggestions are still welcome.