I have written several articles about my experimentation with Kodak T-Max P3200 as part of my goal to find the best film to take everyday photos around my home. I first tried pulling it to 1600 and developing it two different ways. Then I tried shooting it at 3200 with a flash. Each time, hating the grain.
For this final try, I thought I would shoot it at its nominal speed of 800. Nominal meaning it is an 800 ISO film (1000 when developed in Tmax developer) but it has the ability to be pushed to 3200.
I shot my last roll in my Canon F1N at ISO 800 and then developed it in Kodak HC-110 dilution B at 8:30min. I fixed it with Ilford Rapid Fixer for 5 min. and agitated 10 sec. every min. This time I agitated using the agitator stick, instead of inversions because I found that with this film, agitation needs to be gentle for less grain.
I took pictures outside around my neighborhood to test it in brighter light on an overcast day.
Then I tested it indoors. I found that the grain was a little bit better although still ever present. I also was able to control the contrast in post.
I also tested it from the car to see if it was good with fast pictures. Interestingly enough, I have gotten much better results with Ilford HP5 400 in this setting even with the slower ISO.
I think my experiments with this film have finally come to an end. While I do like the results I have gotten from this roll, and if I do ever shoot with P3200 again I will probably shoot it at 800, it just has too much grain for my taste. I think I will stick to Ilford Delta 3200 for now.
My quest will continue. I plan on trying other films pushed. Let me know in the comments which one you think I should try.
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Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.
The films actual rating is 800-1000 ISO depending on how much speed the developer gives. Example d76 would rate this film as 800 speed, Tmax would rate it as 1000 speed. This isnt a true 3200 ISo film. you are still pushing it if its over 800-1000 ISO.
Yes I know. I said that in the beginning of the article
Perhaps ”swizzle stick” equals ”agitator”? When did you acquire a Canon.F-1?
Yes that’s the name LOL I heard someone call it a swizzle stick and it was stuck in my head. I’ll change it.
I recently picked up the Canon F1N from KEH
I like the Ilford 3200 @1600….I don’t shoot it often enough. But I am a medium format photographer and Kodak only comes in 35 mm. So I haven’t really worked with the Kodak 3200. I’ve enjoyed your experiments……
My 2cents worth again! In the day Tri X in Acufine was the choice for up to ei 1200 (considered very fast) -relatively fine grain with some blocking of the shadows -fixed in post (darkroom) . 2475 and 3200 for ei to 6400. Those proofs always looked better with more tonal range, but giant grain on the prints. Ilford negatives were always thinner and gave fewer successful images in very low light. btw the 2 car books are great
Oh you got my zines? Good I’m so glad you like them!