Hello! I've started to shoot 4x5 TMax 400 after shooting TMax 100 developed in TMax RS with a continuous alternating Unicolor roller.
I set up an E.I. test with a backgrund that was evenly illuminated with daylight photofloods, according to my Pentax analog spot meter. I shot four sheets - at ASA400, faster by 1/3 stop, less by 1/3 stop, and less by 2/3 stop. I recently had the lens CLA'ed at SK Grimes so I have exact shutter speeds. I kept the shutter speed the same and changed the f-stops for this E.I. test.
The lower ASA ratings give me between 1/2 and 1 stop of density compared to film base plus fog. I used the spot meter and a light box to check this. The Pentax spot meter is measures in 1/3 stops. From what I've read, Ineed 1/3 sto density difference for zone 1 cmpared to film base plus fog.
The test at ASA 400 showed between 1/3 and 1/2 stop. At ASA 533 shows about less but still between 1/3 stop and 1/2 stop on repeated measurements, usaually closer to 1/3 stop.
I've read that most folks on thsi forum stated that they meter TMax films slower than its rated speed, not faster.
With my TMax 100 films and TMax RS, I thought I was getting some overdevelopment on my negatives. My next step is to test development times with zone 5 and 8 exposures.
If the recommended times by Kodak for drum processing results in some overdevelopment for my setup, would this affect zone 1 like this?
I suppose the best way to sort this out would be to check the development test, then repeat the zone 1 exposure test. I'm curious what folks with more experience in determining personal E.I.s have found. Best regards.
Mike
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