Kodak 8446163 T-Max RS Black/White Film Developer
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KODAK T-Max RS Black & White Film Developer & Replenisher, 1 Quart Bottle, Liquid to Make 1 Gallon.

SKU: KKTMXDRSG

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Questions & Answers

Shopper : how does this differ from the TMax developer we've been using for years? why aren't there instructions? why is that B there?CORTNEY H : This isn't the normal Tmax developer, it is different. There are instructions, but I have to admit, I don't know what they say. My favorite photography instructor got an alternative recipe for processing from a friend using this (and throwing out the instructions) and I tried that recipe and loved it. I'm guessing that if you follow the instructions, you will get good results, but no, this is not the regular tmax developer.RICHARD C : TMax RS is for rotary processing such as in a JOBO processor. The results should be identical to TMax developer in terms of film grain and contrast.GILBERT J : Tmax developer is for roll film, Tmax RS developer and replenisher is for roll & sheet filmLARA C : 1. Be sure to go to the Kodak website and get the pdf for these chemicals. Tmax 400 is once and done whereas RS can be replenished--again consult the pdf to see the differences because there are more, such as using RS in sheet tanks 2. A and B are bottled separately for shelf stability. This is because B contains an oxidizer which would lower the shelf life of the two solutions were they sold already mixed together. When mixed together, the shelf life is 6 months--extendable--if your bottles are light tight and collapsible. Add entire contents of A and entire contents of B then bring to one gallon with distilled water for your stock. Protect from air as much as you can.
FRED D : I develop 2 films at a time and per week. I use 5 to 6 ounces of the regular TMAX at a time. What are the proportions for Tmax RS? How about bottle B? Do you have to use bottle B?ROBERT B : Mix up the T-max developer as per package instructions. use both part A and B as indicated to make a working solution. Use 1.5 oz of T-max RS as a replenisher per 36 exposure role of 35mm T-max film or 1.5 oz per roll of 120 roll film T-max.FRED D : Thanks for your answer.FRED D : Thank you for your answer. How long can you keep the final solution (A&B&Water)? Wouldn't It be better to mix A&B and use it as needed to make my working solution (1 to 9)?JOHN L : This is the first time in 20 years I processed film and before I used D-76 1:1 and I discarded it. I mixed both A & B initially and I developed for about 6 min at 78F. I developed about 8 rolls of film reusing the developer by pouring it back into the bottle. I have started using it one time since then figuring the number of rolls I have processed and the number I can get even for one time use is about what the developer is published to be able to handle. I have done both small tank and rotary tube processing with the developer. Overall it has worked well for me especially once I got my son exposing the film correctly. I have even process some film that has been in the closet for 12 years. Instructions for it use seem to be slim.PATRICK H : I never used the little bottle B and it worked just fine so the answer to your last question is NO. I treated the big bottle RS developer as if it were the regular developer to which I had long been accustomed, and it behaved identically. I do a one-shot thing, cutting the developer 1:4, using once then dumping it (my experience with both replenisher and dev time extension being that the contrast of the later rolls is flatter than when the solution is fresh, thus not worth the savings). Assuming you are working with 35mm film, 2 rolls requires 16 fl oz or 500 ml, the latter being simpler to prepare, 400 ml water to which you add 100 ml developer. Good news is that the regular T-Max developer seems to be back on the market, though perhaps not everyone is carrying it.
ABIGAIL H : what is the difference between rs developer 1 and 2?LARRY L : The RS developer comes as two components which are mixed together to make a working solution. You may be thinking of TMax Developer which only requires dilution to a working strength. They are two completely different developers - TMax RS is required for developing sheet film.GILBERT J : You mean RS and regular Tmax developer? RS is for sheet & roll film, can be mixed in dip & dunk tanks & replenished. Regular Tmax developer is for roll film only and is a one shot developer

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2018-03-11T13:49:15

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent with T-Max films

I have developed T-Max100 in TMax RS for about 25 years. I have found that if you use a 1:9 dilution (see John Sexton) the developer will behave beautifully and highlight details will be retained. I was never successful at getting good results with Kodak's recommended 1:4 dilution. Remember to be consistent with times and temperatures since TMax RS responds strongly to any change in processing technique. If you are careful this is a great developer, and the self-replenishing feature makes it easy always to have a fresh working solution. The instructions on the box are now very confusing. I have always just poured solution B into the bottle of Solution A and then diluted that with 9 parts water as needed. The stock solution lasts for a few months after A and B are combined. There is so little of Solution B in the bottle that measuring it would be very difficult. It used to come in a ketchup-like plastic packet that could not be re-closed. Back then there was no doubt that you just dumped B into A. You can also try using it with a water bath for extreme contrast reduction. Just get good at using this developer and you will be very happy. People who complain about TMax RS and TMax developers are not giving them a chance or are sloppy in the darkroom. You're better than they are so you'll get good results.

John B.

2017-01-28T05:38:59

Rated 5 out of 5

Good shelf life

Use as a replenisher in 1/2 gallon working with other 1/2 gallon as the replenish. Get a good number of rolls out this way but dump after 4 months if not all used up.

LARRY L.

2013-11-13T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Use of Tmax RS B&W Develeper

I have used TMax developer for years with TMax 400 film at a dilution of 1:9, developing one roll in a 16 oz. tank for about 11 minutes for one use only. After each roll, I dispose of it, never replenishing or reusing it. When only TMax RS is available I Simply use Part A in the same way and disregard Part B. The results are the same. rs

BJR

About Kodak 8446163 T-Max RS Black/White Film Developer

FEATURED REVIEWS

Use of Tmax RS B&W Develeper

By BJR

I have used TMax developer for years with TMax 400 film at a dilution of 1:9, developing one roll in a 16 oz. tank for about 11 minutes for one use only. After each roll, I dispose of it, never replenishing or reusing it. When only TMax RS is available I Simply use Part A in the same way and disregard Part B. The results are the same. rs

Excellent with T-Max films

By John B.

I have developed T-Max100 in TMax RS for about 25 years. I have found that if you use a 1:9 dilution (see John Sexton) the developer will behave beautifully and highlight details will be retained. I was never successful at getting good results with Kodak's recommended 1:4 dilution. Remember to be consistent with times and temperatures since TMax RS responds strongly to any change in processing technique. If you are careful this is a great developer, and the self-replenishing feature makes it ...

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Moderately active two-part liquid film developer for replenished systems or processors. Recommended for T-MAX Films and Plates. Can be used for normal or push processing of roll and sheet films.

For use in: small or large tanks, tray, rotary tubes, rack-and-tanks

Keeping Properties: Liquid concentrate can be stored 2 years from the date of manufacture; 6 months for working strength solution in a closed container (full); 2 months in a half full container

Useful Capacity (unreplenished): Tray or Tank; 16-8x10 sheets per gal (4 per L); useful capacity can be increased by replenishment

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