So... I decided to put my personal bias aside regarding the cost of Kodak T-Max 8x10” sheet film and buy a box. At over twice the cost per sheet compared to Ilford, I shed a tear at checkout and a few more each time I tripped my shutter.
Well... yesterday I got around to processing the first of my sheets in PMK and I now finally grasp how this film commands such a price.
Firstly, the base seems much more rigid / strong compared to other films I’ve been using. I’ve had some issues with film popping and / or sagging with other brands, so this may be a big deal to me.
Secondly, the tonal range from deep shadow to brightest highlight is phenomenal.
Thirdly, in comparison to other 400ISO emulations it’s essentially grainless.
I shoot a lot and I have a real fear now that this realisation might send me close to bankruptcy, or at least drive a real obsession with what might be achieved with the best of materials I once considered unjustifiable.
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