In article
> (......) (when a negative comes
>out of processing with problems, I can almost always trace it back to
>an error on my part). Of course, I did have problems until I switched to
>using the Jobo Expert tanks. ("Develop with precision; print with
>compassion" -- John Sexton)
>In what ways is T-Max 100 too unreliable for you?
You have named the way: without specialized processing equipment, it has
been impossible for me to guarantee a properly processed negative with
T-Max. (Time, temperature, and agitation variations that would go
unnoticed with older materials can cause disasters with T-Max, and it
is a little hard to explain to the client that I did not purchase and
use semi-automated processing equipment instead of using my [otherwise]
trusty Nikor S.S. tanks and reels when I have ruined the clients film.)
When I do work for myself, I do often use T-Max 100 and take the risk - the results are worth it. (T-Max 400 is just plain too contrasty for me
in any developer that maintains its grain and sharpness advantages over similar speed films. I suspect that the fine grain and high sharpness
come more from the lack of the big, fast grains that provide real shadow information than from "T"- grain technology. [This same trend can be seen in the newer color negative materials as well - trading higher contrast for finer grain and higher sharpness - not always a good trade.])
Hope this helps.