Kodak Tri-X 120 film is a truly legendary film. Kodak Tri-X emulsion was first introduced in 1940 in sheet film, making it over 80 years old!
Key to its longevity has been its flexibility - photographers can take TriX 120 into a variety of lighting situations and recover highlights and shadows or generate different grain feel through processing choices.
It has been the first choice for many top photographers over its lifespan - in fact when Kodak went through bankruptcy and restructuring in 2012 Don McCullin panic-bought 150 rolls of Kodak Tri-X in case it didn't survive the turmoil! Fortunately for Mr McCullin and every other photographer, Tri-X did survive and is still available fresh in both 35mm and 120 formats.
Kodak - properly known as Kodak Eastman - was founded in America in 1888 and dominated the "Western" world of photography for the next 100 years, constantly in fierce rivalry with the Japanese Fuji. Similarly to Fuji the advent of digital photography at the turn of the century caused significant financial problems. A late attempt to win in the compact market was hit by the rise of mobile photography and bankruptcy followed in 2012. Fortunately the photography business has survived under the Kodak Alaris name - based in Hertfordshire, England - and they have delighted the analogue industry by pledging continued support for film production and the promise of bringing back old favourite emulsions.
For more information about the brand check out our bio of Kodak
Taken as a test roll on a Mamiya 645 as I get to grips with it. Lots of texture and fine grain.
Probably need more practice to get great shots but so far I'm happy with the results
fine grain, high contrast - what more do you want? a great film
T
Tom E. (City of London, GB)
Perfect for:Great All-Rounder, Portraits, Landscapes, Street Photography, Architecture, Travel
Accreditation Handles:tomevans.photography
Feels like coming home
Returning to Tri-X 120 after forty years feels like coming home. It still has the same flexibility, tonal range and sympathetic grain - and that extra speed that increases the scope for hand-held work. It's not cheap, but it is now my default film.
T
Ted S. (Derby, GB)
Perfect for:Portraits, Street Photography, Creative/Abstract
I've used Tri-X almost exclusively in the studio for the last 18 months (with a bit of TMAX too) and it delivers every time! It creates wonderful looks under studio lighting and works perfectly for that more haunting portrait aestehtic. Samples attached. See more at https://www.tedsmithphotography.co.uk/