I was wondering if if I should develop one reel of 120 TMX-400 film any different than when I develop two reels of 35mm TMX-400 (Same 120 Stainless Steel Tank). More or less agitation? Other differences? When I develop the 120 in the same way as two reels of 35, (5 second agitation every 30 sec) I seem to be getting some streaks and everything seems a little grey (lacking contrast, does that mean not enough agitation (underdevelopment)?

-- George Lee (glee@haglerbailly.com), July 16, 1999

Answers

try developing 120 app. 10% longer than the suggested times used with 35 mm. learned this some time ago before the newer generation of films, but it still seems to work. that should help with the gray. i use kodak rapid fixer about six minutes for good clearing. do you test your fixer before using? i understand t-max exhausts fixer pretty fast. I personally don't use much t-max. prefer fuji neopan or delta 400. i use the figure 8 pattern, sliding my tank on the countertop to agitate five seconds (or so) every 30. hope these suggestions help. jim

-- jim meisenbach (batcat4@bitwisesystems.com), July 18, 1999.

George, T-MAX is a very thick emulsioned modern film, and will tend to build up bromides if your agitation is not rough enough to release them. the same applies for the 120 as the 35mm as far as agitation and time go. when you are pouring the solution into the tank (and pouring it out), be sure to rotate the tank ( this will ensure that the develpoment remains even- if you do not rotate it, or take too long pouring the solution in and out you will get streaks ). And as crazy as it sounds, you want a little air in the top of the tank. You should actually hear it gurgle or whosh through the center of the reel as you invert the tank.. ( inversion is the easiest way to agitate a small tank and avoid bromide drag ) I have found no substantial difference in developing times from 35 to 120, however if you are using 220, or a 220 reel the development time will be no less than an extra 20%. Good Luck, Sean.

-- Sean (ZBeeblebrox42@yahoo.com), July 19, 1999.