Kodak Professional T-MAX P3200

Kodak Professional T-MAX P3200 is a specialist black and white film built for situations where there simply isn't much light.

It is designed for handheld street photography, night photography, live music, dimly lit venues and fast-moving subjects where using a slower film or flash isn't practical. Kodak describes it as an ultra-high-speed film, available in 36 exposure 135 format.

Despite the name, P3200 is nominally ISO 800. The P stands for push, because the film is designed to be push processed to EI 3200 or higher. Kodak's technical data supports exposure at EI 1600, 3200 and 6400, with higher speeds increasing contrast and graininess.

That makes it a very different proposition from a standard ISO 400 film. You get the ability to work in genuinely difficult light, but the way the film is exposed and developed becomes more important.

Best for

Night photography, street photography, concerts and live music, indoor photography, available light, documentary work and fast-moving subjects in low light.

What to expect

36 exposures at 35mm.

The film's nominal speed is ISO 800, but it is designed to be pushed. At EI 1600 it retains good shadow detail, while EI 3200 and 6400 provide more speed at the expense of increased contrast and grain. Kodak also notes that P3200 can provide better shadow detail and highlight separation at EI 3200 or 6400 than a 400-speed film pushed three stops.

This is a film with a specific purpose rather than an everyday ISO 3200 stock. If you're shooting in normal daylight, there are much easier choices.

Developing

Standard black and white processing with development adjusted for the exposure index used.

Kodak provides development data for T-MAX P3200 at EI 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 across developers including T-MAX Developer, XTOL, D-76 and HC-110.

For EI 3200, the film needs appropriate push development rather than simply processing it as standard ISO 800 film.