Kodak Tech Pan and Labs

[evangelos_koutsavdis]

Hi:

 

I am thinking of trying out the Kodak Tech Pan film. The problem is

that they only way that I can process film (including BW) is through a

lab. Kodak says that this film can be used for pictorial uses provided

that it is processed properly otherwise it creates high contrast

negatives. The question is, do you believe that this is a film that a

lab would be able to process it? What if I send it to Kodak itself,

would they do the proper processing for pictorial uses. Do you think

that I'd rather be using some other low speed film instead?

Thanks in advace.

[lex_jenkins]

Most labs can barely do a competent job with Tri-X, one of the world's most user-friendly films, let alone a challenging film like Tech Pan.

 

If you want to experiment with Tech Pan you'll either have to search for a top notch lab that listens to its customers or begin doing your own processing.

[cxc]

I did a Google search a little while back on Tech Pan and Technidol (Kodak's special developer for Tech Pan) and turned up a half a dozen mail order labs that will do it. Here is an example, unused by me, just to prove that they do exist: http://www.argentum.com/index1.html

 

I like to shoot Tech Pan (at 100) and have it developed normally, for ultra-super-mega-high contrast.

 

CXC

[stephen hazelton]

If you have a pro lab in your area, go by and visit with them to see if they do this. If so, find out what developer they are would use and what the corresponding speed would be.

 

If you send it to Kodak, you will either get it developed in D76 with very high contrast (and way underexposed, if you shoot at EI25) or get it returned with a note saying they can't process it for you.

 

I'd question why you needed Tech Pan in the first place- unless you're making huge enlargements all the time, you could probably find something else that worked better (perhaps Ilford, Pan F, for example). If you don't shoot a whole roll at a time, it is a drag to be stuck with 25 speed film in the camera, too.

[m._huber]

Tech Pan is mostly a home process film. Very outstanding results.

[peter_witkop]

You'd most likely need a lab that either hand processed the film. That's not too easy to find, and it'd be preferable of course to find one in your area. If you can't find someone close, an old professer of mine does this, if you'd like contact information, feel free to drop me an email.

 

Peter

[roger krueger]

www.photofacory.com does Technidol, but they charge $15 a

roll!!

 

Better to find some way to do it at how. Also, I like Photographers

Formulary's TD-3 a LOT better than Technidol for normal

contrast work. Technidol is very easy to screw up, TD-3 nearly

foolproof. Also, Technidol produces an seriously abrupt

shoulder, TD-3 gives a very long, smooth shoulder.

 

Nothing else comes close to Tech Pan, but if there's just no way

you can develop at home, you're probably better off with Pan F,

Acros, or TMX. Note that developing at home doesn't mean you

have to print at home.

 

Stephen: TP shot at EI25 processed in D76 would be over

(around 3 stops), not under exposed.

[evangelos_koutsavdis]

Thanks everybody for the responses. I will propably stay away

from it.

Regards-

[stephen hazelton]

One other quick note- tech pan is a good bit more expensive that most films- you'll save money with anything else.