Kodak T-Max 400 is a high-speed black and white film known for its incredibly fine grain, exceptional sharpness, and wide tonal range. As Kodak’s flagship T-Grain B&W film, it is engineered for photographers who want maximum clarity and detail without sacrificing flexibility. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, street scenes, or scanning for digital output, T-Max 400 offers performance that rivals slower-speed films.
Kodak T-Max 400 Technical Specifications
- Film Type: Black & White Negative
- ISO Rating: 400 (can be pushed to ISO 1600+)
- Format Availability: 35mm, 120 medium format, sheet film (4×5, 8×10)
- Grain Structure: T-Grain (tabular grain technology)
- Contrast: Medium to high
- Latitude: Wide (especially good for overexposure)
- Resolution: Extremely high
- Base: Triacetate (35mm), Polyester (120)
Key Characteristics:
- Exceptional fine grain for a 400-speed film
- Extremely sharp edge definition
- Excellent for enlargements and high-resolution scans
- Wide dynamic range and smooth tonal transitions
Kodak T-Max 400 delivers a clean, modern aesthetic with outstanding fidelity and detail. It’s the choice for those who demand precision.
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Practical Tips for Shooting & Processing
Exposure Tips
- Meter at box speed (ISO 400) for general use.
- Kodak T-Max 400 handles overexposure well—rating it at ISO 200 or 250 can improve shadow detail with minimal grain increase. I rate it at 250 for my work.
- Push to ISO 800 or 1600 for low-light work; expect increased contrast and a touch more grain.
- Shadow detail is excellent even when slightly underexposed.
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Development Tips
Kodak T-Max 400 benefits from precise development, especially when scanning or enlarging.
| Developer | Dilution | Time (min) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak D-76 | Stock | 6.75 | Balanced tones and fine grain |
| Kodak D-76 | 1+1 | 9.75 | Better highlight separation, slightly softer grain |
| Kodak Xtol | Stock | 7.75 | Maximum sharpness and finest grain; great for scans |
| Ilfotec DD-X | Stock | 9.5 | Strong contrast and acutance, ideal for pushing |
| Ilford ID-11 | Stock | 6.75 | Virtually identical to D-76; smooth tonality |
Tip: Kodak T-Max 400 is sensitive to temperature and agitation—consistency is key for best results.
For push processing:
- Push to ISO 800 with DD-X or Xtol for enhanced shadow separation.
- At ISO 1600, expect tighter contrast and a slightly grittier look.
- Use a water stop bath and non-hardening fixer to preserve detail.
Tip: Avoid over-agitation, which can exaggerate highlight density with T-Grain emulsions.
Scanning Tips
- Kodak T-Max 400 is ideal for high-resolution scanning thanks to its smooth tonality and fine grain.
- Scan at 3200 dpi or higher to take advantage of the film’s resolving power.
- Works well with SilverFast, VueScan, and Negative Lab Pro.
- Minimal dust spotting and even tonality help in achieving cleaner digital files.
Tip: Apply gentle contrast and sharpening in post—T-Max files are very responsive to tonal adjustments.
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When to Use Ilford HP5 Plus vs. Kodak T-Max 400
Both Ilford HP5 Plus and Kodak T-Max 400 are professional-grade black and white films rated at ISO 400, but they offer very different aesthetics and characteristics. Choosing between them depends on your creative goals, subject matter, and workflow preferences.
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – For a Classic, Expressive Look
- Best For: Street, documentary, portraiture, expressive landscapes, vintage or timeless aesthetics.
- Look & Feel: HP5 has a traditional cubic grain structure that gives images a textured, organic look. Its tonality is smooth but leans toward medium contrast with a more “gritty” or “atmospheric” character, especially when pushed.
- Exposure Flexibility: Incredibly forgiving. You can underexpose or overexpose by a stop or two and still get usable results.
- Development Flexibility: Pushes very well to ISO 800, 1600, or even 3200 with bold contrast and expressive grain.
- Darkroom Appeal: Prints beautifully with rich blacks and soft highlights. A favorite for classic wet printing workflows.
Choose HP5 when you want a traditional black-and-white look, maximum creative flexibility, and a film that’s forgiving in unpredictable lighting conditions.
Kodak T-Max 400 – For Precision and Detail
- Best For: Portraits, fine art, architecture, high-resolution scans, and clean, modern compositions.
- Look & Feel: T-Max uses T-Grain (tabular grain) technology, which creates extremely fine grain and high sharpness—even finer than many 100-speed traditional films. Tonality is very smooth with excellent midtone separation and detail retention.
- Exposure Flexibility: Handles overexposure well. Slight underexposure can lead to higher contrast, but with care, it’s easily manageable.
- Development Specificity: Responds well to exacting development practices; ideal for photographers who want repeatable, consistent negatives.
- Digital Workflow Strength: Scans exceptionally well with low noise and wide tonal range, making it ideal for hybrid shooters.
Choose T-Max 400 when your priority is fine detail, sharpness, and a clean modern aesthetic—especially when enlarging or scanning for digital output.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Ilford HP5 Plus 400 | Kodak T-Max 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Grain | Traditional (cubic), more visible | T-Grain, extremely fine |
| Contrast | Medium, increases when pushed | Medium to high, very smooth |
| Best Push Speed | ISO 1600–3200 | ISO 800–1600 (with increased contrast) |
| Aesthetic | Classic, gritty, expressive | Clean, modern, high fidelity |
| Scanning | Very good, but grain more apparent | Excellent, smooth tones and low grain |
| Darkroom Printing | Traditional look, easy to print | Requires more control, great enlargements |
Final Guidance
If you’re shooting a street project in unpredictable light, or you want a film with soul, HP5 is your friend. If you’re shooting portraits with razor-sharp detail, or planning to make large, clean prints or scans, T-Max 400 is a strong choice.
Both films are versatile and professional—but they serve different creative intentions. Use their strengths to match your vision.
Final Thoughts
Kodak T-Max 400 is a standout film for photographers who demand sharpness, detail, and flexibility. Its fine grain and high resolution make it suitable for large prints and professional-grade scans, while its forgiving latitude and pushability make it practical in varied conditions. If you’re seeking a modern black and white film that delivers clarity and control, T-Max 400 is hard to beat.
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