Hi! I have an old Rolleiflex E (1957) and now would like to ask about development and other differencies for a couple of 120 films (Kodak). I prefer using D76 1+1 at 20 degrees C and about 10 min (plus/minus a minute or two depending on the subject exposure and so on). Kodak gives no recommendation for Tri-X pan ISO 320, but does so for Tri-X 400 pro ISO 400, when using D76 1+1. Now my question: Must I use D76 undiluted when developing Tri-X ISO 320. Is there differecies between 1+1 and undiluted that cause som kind of bad things to this film but not the other? Some experts out there? Final question: Which film of this two is regarded the best? Some other film recommendation? Thanks in advance. Lars

-- Lars Kristensen (krislars@algonet.se), August 10, 2001

Answers

Hej Lars!

Jag har inte haft några problem med Tri-X 320 och D-76 1+1, men det var några år sedan sist.

Versionerna 400 och 320 av Tri-X är helt olika filmer, ena ger bättre lågdagrar medan den andra ger bättre högdagrar. Minns inte vilken som var vilken dock, men det kan någon annan svara på. :-)

Jag har börjat exponera Tri-X 400 efter 200 Asa och framkallar ungefär 25%-30% kortare tid, och får mjukare resultat, bättre återgivning av detaljer i skuggorna och finare korn.

Paterson Aculux 2 är mycket fin med Tri-X och säljs av Photax.

-- Patric (jenspatric@mail.bip.net), August 11, 2001.

I think this is why I finally chose HP5+ over Tri-X. It's easier for me to acquaint myself with one emulsion... as I don't obsess with the technical aspects of developing (or photography in general). I prefer taking photographs instead. I wish Kodak would use the same type of film across all formats.

-- floren (flcpge@yahoo.com), August 11, 2001.

Det _kan_ vara så att Kodak inte skrivit ut D-76 1+1 eftersom de antar att de flesta framkallar TXP i tank och med outspädd framkallare. TXP är ju en "proffsfilm". Men nog ska det gå att köra filmen i 1+1 också. Testa ut tiderna själv och se resultatet.

-- Patric (jenspatric@mail.bip.net), August 12, 2001.

Tri-X 400 tends to have better mid-tone and shadow separation. The professional 320 iso version is designed for optimum highlight separation but has rather poor shadow & mid tone separation compared to the 400 iso non professional version. The reason for these differences is because the 400 iso tri-x is designed for general shooting conditions but the 320 iso film is actually designed for best results in studio conditions with artificial light where highlight separation is of greater concern. I have processed the professional version in d-76 diluted 1:1 without problems, one needs only to extend development time appropriately. When you dilute d 76 the tonal range is slightly improved and the film sharpness is also improved although there is a marginal increase in grain ( not really an issue especially with MF) This is true with either film (and any other film you care to test) and there is no reason not to treat the 320 iso film in the same manner as the 400. Having tested both films with a densitometer i have found that the true speed of each film is 200 asa for the normal tri-x and 160 asa for the professional version. This gives a true zone 1 shadow density, much finer grain and a much longer, more beautiful tonal range than the manufacturers ratings will provide. I process tri-x 400 rated at 200 iso in d-76 1:1 ( with a pre rinse of the film before processing ) at 20 degrees celcius for 7.5 minutes, this prints very well on grade 3 paper for a diffusion enlarger. I think the 200 iso film produces a nicer tonality than the 320 iso film, is about half a stop faster, it pushes better ( when nescesscary ) and keeps better. The 320 iso film has got slightly finer grain & better highlights but the shadow separation can get be pretty poor.

As far as other reccomendations Hp5 plus is an excellent film with better sharpness than tri-x 400 & good mid tones and highlights. For enlargements with an ultra sharp look ( especially with zeiss lenses ) it is magic. Tri -x 400 does seem to have a slightly nicer overall tonality however. For hp5 plus i rate it at 200 asa. With a pre wash I process in id-11 at 1:1 dilution at 20 degrees celcius for 12.5 minutes .

i hope this is of some help

-- Matthew Stanton (stantos75 @ hotmail.com), November 21, 2001.