TMAX 400 developed in XTOL

Recently, I've started developing my TMAX 400 in XTOL

stock solution - at 27 centigrade - for just 3 minutes with

vigorous continous agitation.

I'm very pleased with the results.

Using a densitometer, the base fog gives 0.70 and highlights give 1.24 - giving a contrast ratio of 0.58.

 

These negatives are easy to scan and post process. The blacks are coming out jet black and the highlights sparkle. Just very nice results that are reproducible and suit both interior and bright daylight outdoor scenes.

I get excellent results rating the film at 250, 400 or

640 asa, with 400 as a probably being the best.

 

I dont use filtered or distilled water. There's never a problem with air bells or streaking provided the agitation is done "figure of eight" and is vigorous and constant.

PS. I should add that I've done direct comparisons with

Tri-X. The TMAX is better in terms of sharpness, grain,

shadow details and general texture. The grain is fine

enough to make 12"×16" prints, from a 35mm negative,

that appear grainless at normal viewing distances.

<p>I have read on this forum that a high temperature (27°C) with Tmax400 / Xtol (and presumably other films) gives a lot of grain compared to say 21°C. Anybody can confirm that?<br>

By the way, Ian, how do you make sure that the temperature remains at 27°C during "vigorous continuous agitation"?</p>

<p>I process Tmax 400 in 35mm, 120 and 4x5 in Xtol 1:1 and love it, best black and white film I have ever used. </p>

Didier,

I sent a lengthy reply to your request but it hadn't down

up, somehow.

In essence, I said that the temperature itself isn't an

issue. What is an issue is the short time (at 37C) and

how pour in and pour out times become more critical

than if the development time were very long. Just be

very meticulous with the timer. Probably start it *after*

pouring in the fluid and stop it as your pouting out the

fluid. Take note of how many agitations per minute

you're doing, as this will be important.

<p>Interesting, your recipe could be very useful for a photo-journalist of the film era. There was one on this forum last year who told us a great stoy about miss world contests, and how he processed films in his hotel room in a few minutes, before sending them by phone (they already had scanners..) to his journal</p>

But don't use this method just for speed.

The results are excellent too.

Good is good. (Fast or slow).