Early in March, we walked through Gowanus, toward a friend’s studio. I shot TMAX 100 in 120 size with my New Mamiya 6 (it’s not new–that’s really the name).
In a recent post I dug up some old TMAX work I had shot and recalled how much I like that film. In 120 I think I like it even better.
One of my favorite things about discovering or rediscovering a film is playing with different exposure times and different developers. I carry a little notebook with me so that I can note the exposure index, location, etc. and then later the development notes. I’m not very good at noting the development regimen, but I’m getting better.
TMAX in 120 has a lovely tonal range. I have to credit the lens, too. The Mamiya 50mm is one of the sharpest lenses I’ve ever used. I made the mistake of selling my first Mamiya 6/50mm combo and then developing the last roll of color film I took with it. I had sold it because I didn’t use it much. After I got those last negatives back I kept my eye out for an affordable replacement.
I meant to shoot some portraits of yoga teachers last weekend with TMAX 100 and my Hasselblad and 150mm lens, but I jammed up the back and shot them in 35mm with Tri-X and Plus-X with a vintage Canon body and lens instead. Next time!
Recipe:
TMAX 100 in 120 format
New Mamiya 6 with 50mm lens
3.5ml Rodinal (Adonal) in appropriate volume of water to fill tank (using 16 oz. stainless steel tank)
Agitate 1 minute, gently
Leave it alone for an hour
Pour it out, water stop bath 1 minute, fix 4 minutes, wash 1 minute, perma wash 1 minute with agitation, wash 1 minute, wetting agent (LFN) 1 minute with agitation.
I’ll keep trying different developers and see what works best. I’m very happy with how the Rodinal stand development worked out.
David Shoots Film 
nice shots. Tmax is my second favorite b/w film, after fuji neopan acros. i havent tried rodinal yet, but i hear its excellent, and very economical.. im looking to get myself some after my ilfosol 3 finishes
Thank you! Rodinal is a little bit magical. I just developed three rolls of Delta 100 120 in it, shot with the Yashica-Mat and New Mamiya 6. They look wonderful. I’ll do a post about it. I ran out of my stock of old Agfa Rodinal, so now I’m using Adox Adonal.
Hello David, can you tell me what is Perma Wash?
Hi Bryan, here’s a link:
https://www.freestylephoto.com/8785-Heico-Perma-Wash-1-Quart
It’s not necessary, but it’s a nice finishing touch if you’re trying to save water and rinsing time.