High contrast scenes with Tmax 100 and Tmax RS

**Corran** · 28-Jun-2012, 20:40

Hi Nicolas. I use T-Max 100 and T-Max RS quite a bit. I did my personal Zone testing and at least in my tests I get the best results with a normal contrast range by shooting at ISO 80, diluting the T-Max RS 1:9 @ 75 degrees F and developing for 8:45. N-1 is 6:30.

At the normal 12:30 development time as recommended in Kodak's literature for 1:9/75 degrees, I was measuring an ISO 200, according to where my middle gray fell.

I have used Pyrocat, both normal and two-bath development methods, and it does work well but for me has been somewhat less than consistent. Probably my fault trying to measure out such high dilutions honestly.

Another option - I've done some developing with ACU-1 and semi-stand development and it made some beautiful negatives. Haven't tested it enough to have specific times.

**NicolasArg** · 29-Jun-2012, 07:06

Hello Bryan,
"ISO 80, diluting the T-Max RS 1:9 @ 75 degrees F and developing for 8:45." That is exactly what I'm using usually in my Jobo. It gives great results indeed but so far I'm liking a lot the smaller grain I get from the 1+15 dilution for 13 min.
Did you try semi-stand dev using TmaxRS?

**Corran** · 29-Jun-2012, 07:14

I haven't, but, I will have to try your 1:15 dilution sometime.

Personally I can't imagine smaller grain to start with! I sometimes struggle to focus under my enlarger because the grain is so fine.