Film Specs and Comments: Kodak T-Max 100

T-Max 100 continues to be a very interesting and useful film onto itself and a very good film for scanning. One problem with this film has always been exposure and development procedures, as it tends to block up highlights. I have always suggested slight underexposure and then complete development; rate it at EI 200. This can pose problems though depending on how you read light. Easier perhaps is bias for the highlights, like with slide film and even digital cameras. Blocked highlights (excessive density) are certainly a problem when scanning.

The specs here are an excerpt from the Black and White Data Guide I wrote in 1994 with some updated comments.

Kodak T-Max 100

Designation: Professional: 35mm, code 5052; 120, code 6052; sheet film, code 4052

Speed: ISO 100

Color sensitivity: Panchromatic

Reciprocity effect: For a 1/10,000 second exposure add 1/3 stop. No compensation required in 1/1000 second to 1/10 second range. For a 1 second exposure add 1/3 stop; for a 10 second exposure add 1/2 stop; for a 100 second exposure add 1 stop.

Grain: Very fine

Degree of enlargement: Very high

Resolving power: 200 lines/mm

Exposure latitude: +3/-2 stops (update note: stated specs, +3 is ridiculous, I'd say more like +1.5-2EV)

Contrast: Medium/ medium high

Processing: T-Max developer at 75-degrees F, 6-1/2 minutes; D-76 at 68 degrees F, 9 minutes; HC-110 (dilution B) at 68 degrees F, 7 minutes. For sheet film: tray processing, D-76 at 68 degrees F, 9-1/2 minutes

Push processing: At EI 200 no compensation in processing is required. Develop normally. For EI 800: T-Max developer at 75 degrees F, 9 minutes; D-76 at 68 degrees F, 11 minutes. For EI 800: T-Max developer at 75 degrees F, 10-1/2 minutes

Uses: A professional black-and-white film with exceptionally fine grain, excellent sharpness. Useful for all applications when a high degree of enlargement is required

Comments: The only complaint printers seem to have about this film is that it's often difficult to locate grain to focus upon. It produces very sharp images even when big enlargements are made. It also can be used to copy black-and-white photos and for photomicography, as well as an internegative and inter-positive film. It is excellent when fine details are important.

(Update note: Do not over-develop and test for speed rating--your personal EI--to avoid blocked up highlights.)