I recently accidently underexposed Tri X 400 by about 3 stops. I need some recommendations on development. I normally use D76 with good results.

-- Janice McClelland (shavings@es.co.nz), May 10, 1999

Answers

Standard developement time for Tri-X in straight D-76 is 8 min at 68 degrees, or if diluted 1:1 10 min. at 68 deg. You should get acceptable results if you increase developement time by about 40 percent but expect some increase in grain. You can cure any remaining density problems in the negs in the printing process by using filters with polycontrast paper.

-- Greg Augustine (wca@idt.net), May 11, 1999.

Kodak's publication F-9 (the datasheet for Tri-X and Tri-X Pro) recommends for a three stop push that you use Tmax-RS as your developer. D76, HC110 and Tmax developers are listed as not recommended for a three stop push. Development is recommended for 11 1/2 minutes at 70 deg F in Tmax-RS.

One note, the contrast is going to go way up and you can expect to pretty much lose any shadow detail in your image. Depending on your subject that may or may not work against you.

Good luck.

-- Fritz M. Brown (brownf@idhw.state.id.us), May 11, 1999.

Microphen would be my choice, because it would not get that contrasty as with HC110 or D76. But 3 stops under is really too much for tri-X.

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.com), May 13, 1999.