Developing TMAX P3200 in Clayton F76+

<p>Hello, I am somewhat new to B&W darkroom. I'll try and put this as simply as possible, and any advice is much appreciated.<br>

I am shooting a roll of P3200 at EI 1600, for night/available light photography with my Canon AT-1. I use the darkroom at my school, and the only developer they have is Clayton F76 Plus (which has been working well for me when developing Tmax 100 and 400).<br>

I ran a test with my camera using a roll of TMAX 100, developed it and <strong>discovered that I need to underexpose the film by 1 and 1/2 stops</strong> (so I shoot TMAX 100 at EI 250--i believe), then i develop it normal time. Good results, that is for TMAX 100.<br>

Next, I ran a test of P3200. Shot it at 3200, developed it for 11 minutes (digitaltruth.com's dev chart shows that when shooting at EI3200, the time would be 10.75 min or 11.25 min at 68 degrees). Results showed that <strong> overexposing </strong><strong>the film by 1 and 1/2 stops</strong> is what will give me acceptable to good results. <br>

So, I guess my real question is, given my situation...when shooting P3200 at any EI, should I develop it as if it is one and half stops more? For example, when shooting at EI 1600, I should develop it as if it is EI 3200 plus one half stops? (not sure what the half stop would be between 3200 and 6400).<br>

Thanks for taking the time to read and again, any advice is appreciated. If you need me to clarify anything, please let me know and I will do my best. </p>

<p>1. http://www.claytonchem.com/pdfs/Darkroom/PBF76PLUSFILMDEVELOPER.pdf<br>

1a. The info listed on the Massive development chart for the film/developer combination are close so a 30 second difference in development time will not cause a 1 1/2 stop exposure error although I do not know what effect using the developer full strength instead of diluted as the manufacturer directs will have. Did the dilution/temperature/time you used match the manufacturers data?<br>

2. Are you sure the thermometer you used to measure the developer temperature is correct? A 2°F shift in temperature is enough to cause a development error and any thermometer that is more than1°F off should not be trusted. A 5°F or more shift in temperature would give the over exposed type of results you experienced.<br>

3. Have you tested your camera's light meter for accuracy? My first instructor metered a beige wall in medium shade with his pro meter he used for his work (pro photographer) and had all the class meter the wall from the same position one at a time. The majority of the cameras meters were in agreement with the instructors meter but some were off by a stop or so.<br>

4. Have you checked the cameras shutter for accuracy and consistency across the speed range?<br>

It does not matter as much that the meter, shutter speeds are off as long as they are consistent across their ranges.<br>

5. If accurate testing shows your camera to be over exposing by 1 1/2 stops then treat your adjusted EI as normal and adjust your development time only if you use something other than your normal EI. <br>

6. http://www.photographyuncapped.com/useful-lists-of-iso-settings-f-stops-shutter-speeds-by-third-and-half/articles/ click on the chart to download or print.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Or you could always ask me. Then you won't guess or interpret the processing information.<br>

Lowell Huff</p>

<p>Thanks. Lowell, when shooting P3200 at EI 1600, should I develop it as if it is 3200 plus 1/2?<br>

Because, after shooting a test roll at night, I shot at EI 3200, developed it for 11 minutes at 68 degrees, and it showed that the shot that was overexposed by 1 1/2 stops came out best (f-1.8 1/60th) I'm guessing overdeveloping is the way to go for night photography at high speeds in my situation. <br>

I don't see any information for TMAX p3200 on the Clayton Developing Chart. </p>

<p>P3200 has been discontinued. Published developing times are starting points that will give useable results as are box ISO speeds. One must test to find out what is the optimum exposure/development for their equipment. <br>

http://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php?Film=TMax+P3200&Developer=F76&mdc=Search<br>

See: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/f4016/f4016.pdf</p>

<p>Some night scenes will benefit from more exposure while others will not. I would go with more exposure over longer development. </p>

<p>I recommend exposing the film as printed and developing in F 76 (1+9) for 11.25 to 12 minutes. Send me an email and i will return a CLAYTON DEVELOPMENT CHART.</p>