(posted 8609 days ago)I also recommend Tri-X and Plus-X. They are both beautiful films. They are easy to work with and are very forgiving. You can get comfortable with the development process using these films and inexpensive developers like D-76 or Xtol. Then later on, give T-Max a try. A lot of people like T-Max and a lot do not. The T-Max developer is expensive and the films can be difficult to get comfortable with and learn. BTW, you do not have to use T-Max developers with T-Max films. Kodak recommends you do though.
I like Kodak's indicator stop bath. It's cheap and lasts forever. For Tri-X and Plus-X you will want a fixer with hardener and for T- Max you will want a fixer without hardener. This because supposedly T- Max's design does not need a hardener. Honestly I have not seen a difference. I use T-Max fixer because it is the only one available from my supply shot. It has no hardener and is too expensive. I use it to fix Tri-X with no problems.