EI 200 or 400? Can't remember

This must be a classical boob. I shot a roll of Tri X with a model in the studio, cranked it back, and

wrote EI 200 on the leader because I was certain I had shot it at 200, since I do this very often. Then, it

dawned on me that I may have shot it at nominal speed, 400. And indeed, my camera shows 400 on the

ISO dial, and I didn't use it since. But actually, I'm not sure of anything anymore. How would you

process that film? This is to scan the neg later.

 

Thank you.

Hi Bernard.

 

I would process normally for EI 400. If the roll was actually exposed at EI 200, it will be a little dense, but nothing serious.

 

Jay

I usually shoot at EI 200. An EI 400 exposure is N+1 development for me - so I'd add 2 minutes to my 14 minute development time (D76 1:3 at 68 deg).

 

In this case, I'd split the difference. Then I'd factor in my uncertainty as to wheteher I should develop for N or N+1 - I'd add 1 minute to the dev time. Sort of N+1/2. My negs would be either a little thin or a little dense, but only by 1/2 stop. Either way they should print fine.

I agree with Jay. Normal development in D-76 at 1+1 for Tri-X exposed at EI 200 is no big deal. When shooting roll film, it often happens that I'll expose part of the roll at EI 400 and part at EI 200. It depends on the contrast of the scene. If there's a very high brightness ratio, then I give the shot an extra stop of exposure. If the scene is backlit, it gets another two stops of exposure. It all gets souped at the normal time. It works. You were working in studio and had control of your lighting. Don't worry a bit. But the real question is, why bother with Tri-X at all if your goal is to scan the negatives? Monochrome C-41 films are much better for this application.

Thank you all. I'll process at EI 400, and we'll see.

 

Frank, to answer your question about Tri X vs C-41 b&w, I much prefer the look, grain,

contrast and tonality range of Tri X than either XP-2's or T400CN's. I find them nice but

kind of soft. They lack a bit of "punch". Also, I like to process my films myself. But you're

right, C-41 b&w films do scan easier than any true b&w film, except, maybe, FP4.