Originally Posted by
Drew Wiley
OK, TMX 100 versus FP4. Either work well for large format originals; but I prefer TMax 100 with smaller film originals due to its finer grain. TMax can also be developed to a higher contrast if that is necessary, and it is one speed faster in this kind application than FP4 due to its longer straight line. Of course, you have to adjust the speed/exposure of either film for the warmer temperature of typical enlarger light sources. This is best done by testing and not just estimation. FP4 has the advantage of being a little cheaper. I keep both films on hand for both lab and general shooting purposes, and have curves plotted for both, just to keep my options open. The pink antihalation dye washes completely washes out of TMax, but there always seems to be about .04 density of it left over with FP4, which can be a minor issue for color film masking, but of little interest in this enlarged b&w neg case.
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