I have a limited experience with B&W negatives and would like to select an ISO 400 emulsion to work with. I shoot with Pentax 645 and rely on a local pro lab for film processing and printing. I have tried Ilford HP5 Plus and Fuji Neopan and am thinking of exploring Tri-X and perhaps T-max and Delta. I Would greatly appreciate comments on how these emulsions compare in tonality, sharpness and grain (up to 16x20 enlargements), particularly with the Xtol developer.

-- Anonymous, March 17, 1997

Answers

I have had very good luck using T-Max 400 (120 size) on a 6x6 format for making 16 x20 and 20x 24 inch prints. They are virtually grainless and have nice contrast. A little overdevelopment certainly helps increase your constrast. I have been using T-Max 400 consistently for the last 5-6 years with great satisfaction.

-- Anonymous, March 18, 1997

I am spending this lifetime learning to use Tri-X perhaps in the next one I will try T-Max. ;)

Dell Elzey

-- Anonymous, March 18, 1997

response to film comparison

I agree with Rick that TMax 400 developed in TMax developer gives exceptional results.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 1997

Pick one-any one- and work with it for 6 months to a year. Then see if it does what you want. If not, where does it fall short? If it falls short, try another since now you will have a basis for comparison. If you are working with your lab on a consistent basis, they will be glad to give feedback as to what they feel works best and help you fine tune things. But pick one-constant testing of everything will only feed your neurosis-there is no "best" out there.

-- Anonymous, April 09, 1997