[Leica] Re: WAS: Condemnation? NOW: Tmax

[Jim Brick <jim_brick@agilent.com>]

My sentiments exactly. Tina's main film, I believe, is TMax 400 in Xtol 1:1
in her JOBO.

I caught hell a month ago on the LEG when I said that my friend Angela, who
teaches beginning photography in a depressed area, had the students using
TMax 400. "Why would anyone in their right mind use TMax film?" was the
gist of the responses...

I have been using a lot of T400CN only because I can do C41 on my JOBO in a
moments notice. I don't know how this compares with Erwin's film tests. It
seems to produce very nice prints, great dynamic range, sharp, no
blocked-up highlights, no black abyss shadows. Pretty cool film. Even
pushed a stop or two.

Jim


At 02:02 PM 3/2/01 -0800, Ted Grant wrote:
>Erwin wrote:
>>>>>The Tmax 400 is an outstanding emulsion with capabilities that takes
>time and expertise to be appreciated. I am always surprised by that casual
>"I-shot-a-few-rolls-and-I-am-not- impressed"-thing.<<<<<<
>
>Hi Erwin,
>I never cease to be amazed at how some folks can make a valid and written in
>stone condemnation by the >>>"I-shot-a-few-rolls-<<< try out.
>
>In my book "This is Our Work. The legacy of Sir William Osler." the bulk of
>the photographs are shot on Tmax 400 rated at 800 and developed in Tmax
>developer.
>
>And I don't have any problem with the results at all, considering the number
>of LUGNUTS who ordered copies and have attested to the quality of the
>photography and reproduction. And the print accolades from those who've seen
>the exhibition of 16X20 prints at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary
>Photography within the National Art Gallery of Canada.
>
>There isn't anything wrong with Tmax 400 and if one has only done a couple
>of "test?" rolls.  What can they possibly know of the fine results possible
>and what it can or cannot do?
>
>Yes I admit I've been messing around with Delta and Tri x this past little
>while and yes I'm quite pleased at the results, particularly after Mark
>Rabiner got me "hooked on EXTOL!"  1:3. :-)
>
>But this doesn't mean I've abandoned Tmax 400, it just means I thought I'd
>have a look at something else, kind of like trying a new candy bar. ;-) I'm
>sure I'll be using the Tmax for a while as I've got a pile of it here and
>I'm not going to throw it away, besides I need to shoot more of it with
>EXTOL before I feel I should switch to another film.
>ted
>
>Ted Grant Photography Limited
>www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant