Digital BW, The Print

I'm sure you will receive quite a few answers but here is my take.

First TMY-2 is an excellent film though the response curve will not be like Tri-X (in all it's flavors) just to note the comparison. Normally the HD curve is very straight line, which for me is good though I still like traditional films as an alternative, though these days not often.

Second, for many years I used a pyro type developer of one kind or another but since TMY-2 was introduced I started using TMAX developer (@ 1:8 - 75F, 8.00 min) since I no longer print traditional darkroom and need to have easily scanable negs. You can easily expose at full rated value of 400 but you may wish to rate at 650 or 800 depending upon the contrast range. At all costs avoid over exposure with this film and double that advice since you are scanning. You can probably zero in on a good work habit after 5 to 10 test rolls.

I don't know what lab you plan to use but most of the few remaining labs don't provide quality processing for B&W. 

Frankly you should process the film yourself since it is drop dead simple and easy and inexpensive for MF film. All of which can be done in daylight (no darkroom required.) On the other had if your lab really is competent you may be saving yourself time and energy, especially if you are shooting for hire. 

20x20 prints are easy from a MF neg.

My 2 cents,

Don Bryant

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "russmeadseattle" <russmead@...> wrote:
>
> Ii am pulling out old film cameras to shoot black and white film to scan, then to digitally print. I will primarily be shooting medium format. I live in then land of no sun,Seattle Wa  so use tmax 400 rather than a 100 Asa film. I will be using a good lab to develop the film withou any push or pull. They provide a low level scan with developing for a reasonable price. I will have them do a high Rez drum scan when I have a print made. My golal is to have 20 by 20 prints. Ok, my question... In reading this site it seems like I need to under expose the film. Is this correct? And if so by how much? And just to make sure I get this right I would set the light meter for say 500 Asa for tmax 400 (not set the meter for Asa 300)
> 
> Thanks!
>