amilograno

<p>I think the prior posts answered your question, but FWIW I used Tri-X @ 400 in D-76 for probably 30 years. What worked for me was D-76 1:1 @ 68 degrees F in a 8 or 16 oz tank, agitation for the first 30 seconds and 5 seconds every 30 seconds. 30 second stop and then 4 minutes in Kodak rapid fixer. I felt that the 1:1 dilution minimized grain and increased sharpness.<br>

Tony</p>

I would push process the 160NC roll 1-stop, basically getting very close on the under negs, and it would put the normal negs 1 stop over (no issue). Color shift, grain are the trade offs for the solution. If the images are important, custom printing may be required to get the best image.

Careful mixing films on a job in the future. Unless going to 16x20 or larger, you won't see a noticable difference in 160 vs 400. 400NC is a wonderful film.

They say if you shoot enough weddings, it will happen...

I always explained to a bride that I had little control over lab accidents, mail, etc. My contract gave me an out if I needed it (legally speaking), they understood that mailing and lab processing was an accepted practice of the business and my work. Never had to resort to video stills, family cameras, but those were mentioned at the sell.

Test and re-test equipment and film before using it on a job. Feedback lights, cords, you name it, can fail and do. Unfortunatly, you got this lesson the hard way. Imaging is imaging, I would rather lose a roll of film then a 512 chip with half the wedding on it. I know people that shoot digital weddings, that's another whole set of issues...

If you have a problem delivering, your reputation is going to take a hit. Advertising doesn't sell weddings, word of mouth does. Do a good job, the bride will tell her family and friends, mess up and it will be on CNN.

When I was in the wedding business, most pros did not "give" the proofs to their clients. I did and wrote the cost into my profit, as others have mentioned. But, again, with today's scanners, if I stayed in the business I would go to a online lab, allowing album and re-print orders without the headaches.

I have heard that some labs may even offer, "copy-proof" prints, not sure if that is a wish or reality.

Good luck,

Tony Milograno