Just having some fun, all of the pictures from this roll are quite grainy. Any ideas how to get them less grainy next time I shoot? I think it has something to do with my developing. I developed this at 74 F for about 5:45. Thanks
I've been working with Tri-X for quite some time now and have done quite a bit of sensitometry testing with the film. I've tested Tri-X film to be at ISO 160, with a normal developing time of 6.5 minutes using D-76 1:1 70F. What does this mean? By shoot it at ISO 400, you are underexposing your film by 1.3 stops. Then by developing for 9 - 10 minutes, you're simply making up for the underexposure of your highlights. This is the equivilant of "pushing" your film, which evidently presents a lot of grain. Many people do not realize it, but it is also very important to keep your temperature consistant throughout. If you present the film with even moderate changes in temperature, reticulation occurs, which gives you an increase of grain. From now on, shoot it at ISO 160 and develop it for 6.5 minutes, then work from there to fine tune everything. Good habits will give you good results.
search google for the d76 pdf released by kodak, use the time suggested for 68F there, and the dilution. Then, examine your negs and the prints they deliver, if you need more shadow detail, lower the iso you rate the film at until that dev works for you, its easier than messing with your dev time, and allows you to be very consistent. Tri-x is my number 1 b&w choice, and is not incredibly grainy at normal enlargements, it has its own look as is worth using for that alone, keep at it~
Oh, Forgot to ask. Should I follow the developing recommendations on the film box, or my developer bottle? The d-76 recommendations on the film box might be for a 1+1 dilution, and I hse 1+9 so, I don't know. Thanks!
Wow, that was helpful, thanks for all the comments everyone. I will most certainly try all the things you've all mentioned.
I was using a d-76 replacement. It is made by Sprint. www.sprintsystems.com -- It says to dilute 1+9... ? But, Next time I will get the developer cooler to allow more developing time. At least, that?s what I'll try first.
I picked up an old Rolleicord TLR for 25$ recently, and i am probably going to try out a Canonet rangefinder soon also. So I'm going to have a lot to be testing with, once again, thanks for the comments everyone. :)
Tri X is wonderful. The learning experience in photography is learning the limitations of the materials, and what works best with whatever you have on hand. Tri X is best (as stated) worked at lower temps than 75F - 68F seems ideal - You did not mention what developer you are using - this can cave a significant effect on the outcome. With Tri-X I recommend D76 @ 1/1 for 9.5min.
Possible causes: 1. Film was underexposed. If so, then the standard development will leave you with less detail on the neg, and the grain will be more apparent. 2. You may be using chemicals diluted too far, ive heard going past 1:1 concentrations can cause that 3. the temp - 75 is blazing hot by developing standards, 68 and 70 are far more common, allow you more time to agitate carefully, and let the chemicals perform as they were intended ( i guess) - there are a million other reasons, but its probably one of these. If you wanna get away from grain altogether, try Tmax100, its super freaky~
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{K:716} 10/1/2002