The recipe journey continues with another must-try because all the real photographers have used this. Kodak Tri-X 400; another FujiXWeekly banger (submitted by a reader)
"Kodak introduced Tri-X in the early 1940’s, and in the 1950’s they began selling it in 35mm format. Ever since, it has been the “standard” high-ISO black-and-white film for photographers. It’s been made in ISO 160, 200, 320 and 400 versions; this recipe is based on Tri-X 400. Kodak re-engineered Tri-X 400 in 2007 with finer grain and lower contrast, but it’s still nearly identical to the old stock."
I Had An Epiphany
Whilst I was using this recipe, I was thinking about the recipes I have done so far. I have done enough to fill my allocation of presets and whilst I would happily stick with the recipes I have tried out, (apart from maybe Chrome Bypass and definitely Ektachrome…) I have only scratched the surface of the recipes I could possibly try out.
But doing this one really got me thinking about the "types" of presets I want to have in my toolbelt.
Along with Mono-Koda, this is the other B&W preset I have tried. I enjoy both but more importantly, they fulfil different purposes.
Mono-Koda is good for versatility; if I want a solid photo where contrast & shadows aren't too high on the agenda, Mono-Koda. For this recipe, whilst there are less situations I would use this – when the situations arrive – it's great. See "Lonelyworld 003" for more examples of this recipe.
It's the same with my two favourite colour presets: Kodak Portra 100 & Eterna v3. Portra for when I want a different look, Eterna when I want to tone things down. (Eterna v3 was also used in the "Lonelyworld 003" post.)
The more I head out, the quicker it takes me to look at where I'm at and know the preset I should use.
Okay, enough talk, let's see some photos.
I love me some contrast and this recipe delivers on that without having to edit much. It’s dramatic without me having to try hard to make it so.
So whilst I have some recipes locked in, the exploration continues. And with winter on the horizon, I think I need to see what night photography is saying…
Charlie Taylor
chillicharlie.taylor@gmail.com
Born in Camden, North London.
Bred in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex.
Screenwriter/Podcaster/Photographer/
Hip-Hop Student.