Kodak T-Max 100 is a professional-grade, low-speed black and white film known for its ultra-fine grain, exceptional resolution, and smooth tonal transitions. Built on Kodak’s T-Grain emulsion technology, it’s a go-to choice for photographers who demand the highest level of image quality—especially for fine art, portraiture, product photography, and any work intended for large prints or detailed scanning.
Technical Specifications
- Film Type: Black & White Negative
- ISO Rating: 100
- Format Availability: 35mm, 120 medium format, sheet film (4×5, 8×10)
- Grain Structure: T-Grain (tabular grain technology)
- Contrast: Medium
- Latitude: Moderate (slightly less forgiving than HP5 or T-Max 400)
- Resolution: Extremely high (one of the highest in B&W film)
- Base: Triacetate (35mm), Polyester (120 and sheet film)
Key Characteristics:
- Exceptionally fine grain—virtually invisible in most enlargements
- High acutance and edge sharpness
- Extremely clean tonality with subtle gradations
- Excellent for scanning and fine detail work
T-Max 100 is a film for deliberate, controlled photography—where perfection in tone and texture matters.
Ready to Go Deeper?
Explore the full Ultimate Guide Series to master film, development, scanning, and digital darkroom editing—featuring downloadable books, charts, and detailed 4K videos.
👉 timlaytonfineart.com/ULTIMATE
When to Use Kodak T-Max 100 vs. T-Max 400
While both films feature Kodak’s advanced T-Grain emulsion for smooth tonality and fine grain, they serve distinct creative purposes depending on your shooting style and conditions.
Kodak T-Max 100
- Best For: Studio, landscape, fine art, architecture
- Strengths: Ultra-fine grain, maximum sharpness, exceptional tonal subtlety
- Use Case: When you control the light, use a tripod, or have ample light for long exposures
- Scanning: Excellent for high-res digital archiving or gallery-quality prints
T-Max 400
- Best For: Street photography, handheld shooting, low light, general-purpose work
- Strengths: High speed, fine grain (best among ISO 400 films), excellent detail
- Use Case: When you need flexibility, fast shutter speeds, or are working in changing conditions
- Scanning: Also scans extremely well, with slightly more visible grain than T-Max 100
Choose T-Max 100 for ultimate detail and tonal control. Choose T-Max 400 when speed, flexibility, and handheld work are your priority.
Practical Tips for Shooting & Processing
Exposure Tips
- Shoot at box speed (ISO 100) for optimal tonal balance and grain performance.
- Overexposing by 1/3 to 2/3 stop can produce even richer shadow detail without sacrificing highlight control.
- This film is best used in well-lit conditions or with a tripod for slow exposures.
- Not ideal for spontaneous or handheld low-light shooting due to slower speed.
Master the Craft of Analog Photography On Your Own Schedule
My Analog Photography Video Workshops deliver in-depth, practical instruction you can watch anytime. Whether you’re in the darkroom or out in the field, these workshops are designed to help you grow your analog photography and darkroom skills with clarity and confidence. 👉 Explore the workshops now.
Development Tips
T-Max 100 requires careful development to preserve its tonal smoothness and sharpness. Here are the most common developer combinations:
| Developer | Dilution | Time (min) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak D-76 | Stock | 6.5 | Balanced tones, very fine grain |
| Kodak D-76 | 1+1 | 9.5 | Slightly softer contrast, easier highlight control |
| Kodak Xtol | Stock | 8.0 | Exceptional sharpness and finest grain |
| Ilfotec DD-X | Stock | 9.5 | Slightly stronger contrast, smooth tonality |
| Ilford ID-11 | Stock | 6.5 | Nearly identical to D-76, reliable and classic |
Tip: Be especially precise with temperature and agitation—T-Max 100’s fine grain responds noticeably to even small variations.
For push processing:
- Not typically recommended to push T-Max 100 beyond ISO 200—results may be acceptable but will increase contrast significantly.
- For best results, shoot at box speed and compensate with light, not chemistry.
Ready to take your film photography to the next level? Mastering the art and science of properly scanning and editing your negatives is essential for achieving the best possible results. Whether you’re shooting 35mm, medium format, or large format, a well-executed hybrid workflow can unlock the full tonal range and character of your film. Join me as we dive into proven techniques that preserve the analog soul while delivering beautifully polished images ready for print or screen. For in-depth tutorials, workflow breakdowns, and direct access to my personal guidance, become a member of the Darkroom Diary Premium Membership and start transforming your scans into gallery-worthy prints.
Scanning Tips
- T-Max 100 is one of the easiest films to scan cleanly, thanks to its ultra-fine grain.
- Scan at 3200 dpi or higher to extract the maximum detail.
- Works well with SilverFast, VueScan, or Negative Lab Pro for black-and-white conversions.
- Very little post-processing cleanup is needed—ideal for digital workflows.
Tip: Take advantage of the film’s neutrality in post by applying subtle tone curves to suit your vision.
Final Thoughts
Kodak T-Max 100 is the definition of precision in analog black and white film. If you’re working with a tripod, studio lighting, or slow, deliberate compositions—this film rewards you with unmatched resolution and delicately rendered tones. It’s perfect for high-end fine art, archival projects, or any scenario where sharpness and fidelity matter.
Explore the “Guides” menu above to discover in-depth film and camera guides designed to help you get the most out of your photography—whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft.
Unlock the Complete Ultimate Guide Series
Go beyond the basics with printable books, reference charts, and in-depth 4K videos.
Start here → timlaytonfineart.com/ULTIMATE
