I wrote an article about pulling Kodak T-Max P3200 to 1600 as part of my quest to find my go-to film for shooting everyday pictures indoors. I was not very happy with my results and I wasn’t planning on shooting with this film again, but then I found a few more rolls of it in my fridge and thought I would experiment a little more before I gave up on it.
Someone on Facebook suggested that I try using a flash with it and their results were pretty nice. I set up my Canon Rebel G with the Canon Speedlite 200E flash on the hot shoe and shot the film at box speed of 3200, and developed it in Kodak HC-110 dilution B at 3200 as well.
As you can see in these photos, the extreme grain is still there, but I do like the added brightness the flash gave.
Although I do like how these came out, for what I am looking for in an everyday indoor film, this just doesn’t work for me because of the amount of grain. Adding a flash didn’t really help that issue. I think next I will try shooting and developing a roll at ISO 800, which according to Kodak, is the nominal speed for this film. That will probably be my last try with this film.
If you would like to help me out with the cost of film, developing chemicals, and the upkeep of this website, please consider making a small donation. If you would rather purchase one of my zines, that would also help. Either way, I hope you have enjoyed my articles so far, and will sign up to get my blog in your inbox as I post them.
Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.
T-max 3200 is my go-to indoors film, but that’s because I’m often shooting in the evenings and I have to shoot at EI 6400 and f1.8 to be able to get to handheld speeds. And you’ve really only got tmax 3200 and delta 3200 as options there, and tmax is cheaper.
I’m not wild about how it looks, either, but as I said, it’s a matter of practicality for me. Delta 3200 is the only one of the two available in 120, and I actually like it there – it’s significantly less grainy than in 135. You’re still not going to fool anyone into thinking you’re shooting an ISO 100 film, but it bumps it down to a point where it’s no longer distracting IMO.
If you only need to shoot at 800, why not try pushing hp5+ a stop? A lot of people prefer it over d3200 even up at EI 3200, and 800 is well within its comfort zone. It’s a bit cheaper, too.
Yes I agree with everything you said. I did try Ilford HP5 400 at 800. I like it but I need that next stop for better shutter speeds.
These are wonderful! Like everyone I have flashes but never use them Gives me something to think about.
Thank you. Same for me. I’ve had a couple laying around and never used them. I’m going to look into more now.
At 800 you will still have big grain, but a really wide tonal range.
One thing digital does really well is high ISO, which makes low light SO much easier.
I had fun waging that battle in the 70’s and 80’s. I really enjoy your work, Aly!!
A great eye and some real thought behind it.
Thanks so much. That’s funny you mention digital because last night I was thinking why don’t I just give in and use my digital camera for shots around the house LOL I quickly pushed that thought away though. I’m determined to find a film for this purpose