I'm going to be doing photography for my school newspaper. This includes takeing action shots of low light football games. I've heard a little bit about how to push T-Max but would like a more detailed explantion.

Thanks in advanve :-), Jerome Wild

-- Anonymous, August 17, 1997

Answers

Kodak lists recommended push developement times / solutions etc. on the Kodak data web page. Search for Kodak , and within the Kodak page they have a search engine and technical data sheets.

Most likely you are looking at Tmax 400 pushed to 800 or 1600, or the best alternative Tmax 3200 rated at 1600, 3200, or 12,500. Night football at high school stadiums is very difficult. The lighting is far below that found at NFL stadiums. You are going to need fast lenses. Try to shoot a lot in the first half when there is still some light. As far as push processing, plan to do it yourself to get it done right. Tmax 3200 is a real good choice.

-- Anonymous, August 17, 1997

Like the guy before said, T-Max 3200 is great. I used it last year literally on the street, pushed a stop to 6400 in T-Max developer, and it was wonderful. One thing I've noticed (although I havent done any comparative tests) is that when you push T-Max films in T-Max developer, it seems to enlarge the grain, as expected, but it also seems to soften the grain as it does so. This gives you a grainy effect, but not harsh or gritty, if you see what I mean. I haven't got the exact times or concentrations right here with me, but I remember them being noted on the inside of the 3200 film packet. Good luck :)

-- anonymously answered, October 04, 1997

I use T-Max 3200 for all of my sports action photography for a weekly newspaper, pushing it to 6400 ASA. Most football and basketball action can be shot at 250th of a second and F4 in this situation. I develop the film in HC110 Solution B as it is active enough. I extend my development time to 13 minutes instead of the 12 minutes recommended. This has the effect of giving me a denser negative. My shots look as good if not sharper than the Tri X we use for normal shooting assignments. Good luck.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1997