Kodak Tri-X 400 is arguably the most legendary black and white film ever made. With a deep heritage dating back to the 1950s, it’s known for its beautiful contrast, gritty grain, and timeless rendering of light and shadow. Revered by photojournalists, documentarians, and fine art photographers alike, Tri-X offers unmatched character and versatility in a wide range of shooting conditions.
Kodak Tri-X 400 Technical Specifications
- Film Type: Black and White Negative
- ISO Rating: 400 (can be pushed to 1600+)
- Format Availability: 35mm, 120, and sheet film (4×5)
- Grain Structure: Classic cubic grain
- Contrast: Medium to high
- Latitude: Wide—especially suited for push processing
- Tone Curve: Bold mid-tones and deep blacks
Key Characteristics:
- Signature grain structure that enhances texture
- Strong contrast and punchy tonality
- Excellent push capabilities
- Ideal for street, documentary, portrait, and expressive art photography
Kodak Tri-X 400 is less about technical perfection and more about emotional impact. It feels like analog photography.
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When to Use Kodak Tri-X 400 vs. Ilford HP5
Tri-X 400 and Ilford HP5 Plus 400 are both classic B&W ISO 400 films, but they offer very different looks and handling characteristics.
Kodak Tri-X 400
- Look: More contrast, more prominent grain, deeper blacks
- Best For: Gritty street work, expressive portraits, dramatic lighting
- Push Capability: Easily pushed to ISO 800, 1600, or 3200
- Style: Punchy, bold, emotional
HP5 Plus 400
- Look: Lower contrast, smoother tonal transitions, softer grain
- Best For: Fine art work, nuanced portraits, tonal depth
- Push Capability: Excellent up to ISO 1600 with mild contrast increase
- Style: Subtle, flexible, forgiving
Use Tri-X when you want attitude and visual grit. Use HP5 when you want range, flexibility, and tonal subtlety.
Practical Tips for Shooting & Processing
Exposure Tips
- Rated at box speed (ISO 400) for classic results. I like it at EI 250 because this is the real speed of this film and this EI rating produces denser negatives.
- Can be rated at ISO 800, 1600, or even 3200 and still deliver excellent images.
- Overexpose slightly (e.g., rate at ISO 250) for slightly smoother grain and improved shadow detail.
- Tri-X thrives in dramatic lighting—look for directional light and shadow.
Development Tips
Tri-X works beautifully in a variety of developers. Here’s a quick reference:
| Developer | ISO 400 (Normal) | ISO 800 (Push +1) | ISO 1600 (Push +2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak D-76 | 9.75 min @ 20°C | 12 min @ 20°C | 14 min @ 20°C |
| Ilford ID-11 | 9.75 min @ 20°C | 12 min @ 20°C | 14 min @ 20°C |
| Ilfotec DD-X | 9 min @ 20°C | 11 min @ 20°C | 13 min @ 20°C |
| Kodak HC-110 | 6 min (Dil B) | 8.5 min (Dil B) | 11 min (Dil B) |
Tip: Agitation frequency and dilution have a big impact on contrast and grain with Tri-X. Experiment with semi-stand or minimal agitation methods for a softer look.
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Scanning Tips
- Scans well despite high grain—embrace the texture.
- Ideal for Epson V800/V850, DSLR scanning rigs, and Noritsu lab scanners.
- Tone curve may require less adjustment than HP5—Tri-X brings baked-in drama.
- Avoid over-sharpening in post; let the film’s texture shine.
Final Thoughts
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a living legend. Its emotional tone, classic grain, and tonal strength have made it a favorite for decades—and it’s still as relevant today as ever. If you’re looking to inject character, punch, and expressive depth into your black-and-white work, Tri-X is hard to beat.
Explore the “Guides” menu above to dive into detailed film and camera guides crafted to help you get the most from your analog photography.
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.
