Delta 400 and T-Max 400

[Ornello]

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Yesterday (a cloudy-bright day here) I ran two rolls of film, exposing from f/16 to f/1.4 repeatedly on Kodak TMY-2 and Ilford Delta 400. Both were developed in the same tank at 20C/68F for 9 minutes in Adox FX-39 diluted 1+17. Looking at the negatives, it seems that TMY-2 is about a half stop faster than the Delta 400 on the f/16 exposures. The light was fairly constant, and I exposed the films right after one another. I exposed the entire rolls from f/16 to f/1.4, and saw no variation between 'runs'. 

I intend to make some test prints tonight or tomorrow. Equipment was Leicaflex SL2 with 50mm Summilux-R type 2 (E60 filter size).

[Ornello]

Based on previous tests, both films were developed together for 9 minutes @ 68F/20C in Adox FX-39 diluted 1+17. I selected the negatives that were exposed @ f/5.6. Looking at the 7x prints I made last night, it seems the TMY-2 is a little sharper and finer-grained. The grain is all but invisible in both prints. The Delta 400 seems a little softer in contrast (maybe 1/3 of a grade) and slightly less sharp (less well defined). Prints were made on Ilford MG (latest generation) on a Fujimoto G70 condenser enlarger using a Leitz Focotar-2 50mm f/4.5 lens @ f/5.6. Both films are more than adequate for ordinary use. I find it difficult to justify using slower films, unless 16 x 20 prints are desired.  I scanned the prints on an office scanner. The upper image is on Delta 400; the lower one is on T-Max 400. Unfortunately the scans are not high resolution, but they will give you an overall impression.

 

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Edited December 28, 2021 by Ornello

[Ornello]

These are better scans. Top is T-Max; bottom is Delta.

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Edited December 28, 2021 by Ornello

[Stuart Richardson]

What kind of exposure were you using for the f/16 shots? Tmax might have a bit better reciprocity behavior, which would explain a bit more film speed, but only if you are getting into the seconds long of exposure...but given that the light could have slightly changed, that is a more likely scenario. Light can gain or lose several stops very quickly given clouds going by the sun.

Either way, Tmax 400 is my favorite film for most uses. It is especially good in 120 and large format, where grain is almost a non-issue and its huge tonal range and high sharpness yield beautiful prints and scans. I have never been as much of a fan of the Ilford films, as they all seem just a touch behind both Kodak and Fuji, not only technically, but from a standpoint of ergonomics, cleanliness, and other physical characteristics (they have more curl, a darker base etc). I loved Fuji Acros as well, but the Ilford made version is not as nice, in my opinion...not just the results, but the aforementioned characteristics of the film base, the loss of the nice Fuji backing paper and spool combo in 120 and so on. Below are two Tmax 400 shots, one 120 and the other 4x5 (the shot of the grass surrounded by water).

 

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[Ornello]

4 minutes ago, Stuart Richardson said:

What kind of exposure were you using for the f/16 shots? Tmax might have a bit better reciprocity behavior, which would explain a bit more film speed, but only if you are getting into the seconds long of exposure...but given that the light could have slightly changed, that is a more likely scenario. Light can gain or lose several stops very quickly given clouds going by the sun.

Either way, Tmax 400 is my favorite film for most uses. It is especially good in 120 and large format, where grain is almost a non-issue and its huge tonal range and high sharpness yield beautiful prints and scans. I have never been as much of a fan of the Ilford films, as they all seem just a touch behind both Kodak and Fuji, not only technically, but from a standpoint of ergonomics, cleanliness, and other physical characteristics (they have more curl, a darker base etc). I loved Fuji Acros as well, but the Ilford made version is not as nice, in my opinion...not just the results, but the aforementioned characteristics of the film base, the loss of the nice Fuji backing paper and spool combo in 120 and so on. Below are two Tmax 400 shots, one 120 and the other 4x5 (the shot of the grass surrounded by water).

All exposures were at 1/250 sec. I think the base density of the Ilford must be greater, because it took 10 seconds for the Delta 400 negative, but 8.7 for the TMY-2 negative. I do like the Delta film, but I like the TMY-2 more. It's just more impressive. BUT! Processing must be very accurate.

Edited December 28, 2021 by Ornello