Rob Tucher
29-Jan-2004, 10:37
I checked the archives and I haven't seen anything that approximates my bad vibes and level of problems with Kodak 100TMAX. This means it might be me, or it might be that people have just adjusted to it and moved on. I see a lot of questions concerning Kodak and its future. This question is preceded by one asking about film and Kodak. But I'm specifically concerned about loss of quality at Kodak in the face of falling profits and strategies for competing.
Specifically I've noticed a marked decline in the quality of 100 TMAX as measured against the old TMAX 100. I use it in 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. First, its speed has diminished quite a bit. I shoot it at 40 and it isn't quite what I'm used to. It also does not seem to have the same response to contrast manipulation...it is flatter than the older version by a noticeable degree, even though I process at a higher temperature and for longer (based on same contrast realities).
Plus the base curls readily...AWAY from the emulsion, which is rare, and the edges of the film, to me, seem as though cut with a guillotine instead of a fine film cutter. So what gives? I've been told by a man who has an Ilford franchise that Kodak is now having 100TMAX made in China and has experienced start-up problems and quality control issues but are stonewalling complaints. Considering my source I am willing to give some credit to Kodak and take this with a grain of salt but not much. I'm on the verge of switching to FP4+ and doing all my numbers again, especially because the recommendations in with the film say 100TMAX is not significantly different and I blew a whole day's shooting by blindly trusting. What experiences have you people had?
Specifically I've noticed a marked decline in the quality of 100 TMAX as measured against the old TMAX 100. I use it in 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. First, its speed has diminished quite a bit. I shoot it at 40 and it isn't quite what I'm used to. It also does not seem to have the same response to contrast manipulation...it is flatter than the older version by a noticeable degree, even though I process at a higher temperature and for longer (based on same contrast realities).
Plus the base curls readily...AWAY from the emulsion, which is rare, and the edges of the film, to me, seem as though cut with a guillotine instead of a fine film cutter. So what gives? I've been told by a man who has an Ilford franchise that Kodak is now having 100TMAX made in China and has experienced start-up problems and quality control issues but are stonewalling complaints. Considering my source I am willing to give some credit to Kodak and take this with a grain of salt but not much. I'm on the verge of switching to FP4+ and doing all my numbers again, especially because the recommendations in with the film say 100TMAX is not significantly different and I blew a whole day's shooting by blindly trusting. What experiences have you people had?