Leica User Forum - View Single Post - Exposure Latitude Question -- Tri-X v. T-grain films

batmobile · 06/01/08, 11:31 AM

One of the reasons cited for TriX, HP5 etc having great latitude is that one can over expose them with less grief than modern films. Neopan 400 is the same. Overexposed Tmax and Delta is more likely to result in bullet proof highlights. The reduced EI and development used by many ensure that you have the best possible chance of a printable neg with both shadows and highlights. Higher contrast printing in the darkroom is no problem and the reduced density of highlights assists scanning.

If you are having problems with grain, consider changing developer if you like TriX otherwise. Xtol 1+1 yields appreciably finer grain than D76 and one gets a bit of a shoulder too so more controlled highlights. Images do however lose some acutance, but still remain fine to me.

Xtol is also great with D400 and will also help control highlights there. Sounds like an overexpose and under decvelop routine could be ideal for you. i regularly print at G4 but never lose a neg due to excessive contrast. mind you my 10x8 colour head is super diffuse.

06/01/08, 11:31 AM	#24 (permalink)
batmobile Benutzer Join Date: 10/02/06 Posts: 49	Re: Exposure Latitude Question -- Tri-X v. T-grain films One of the reasons cited for TriX, HP5 etc having great latitude is that one can over expose them with less grief than modern films. Neopan 400 is the same. Overexposed Tmax and Delta is more likely to result in bullet proof highlights. The reduced EI and development used by many ensure that you have the best possible chance of a printable neg with both shadows and highlights. Higher contrast printing in the darkroom is no problem and the reduced density of highlights assists scanning. If you are having problems with grain, consider changing developer if you like TriX otherwise. Xtol 1+1 yields appreciably finer grain than D76 and one gets a bit of a shoulder too so more controlled highlights. Images do however lose some acutance, but still remain fine to me. Xtol is also great with D400 and will also help control highlights there. Sounds like an overexpose and under decvelop routine could be ideal for you. i regularly print at G4 but never lose a neg due to excessive contrast. mind you my 10x8 colour head is super diffuse.