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
Perfect for:Great All-Rounder, Beginners, Portraits, Landscapes, Street Photography
Accreditation Handles:George G
The Goat
The classic BnW film.
Tri-X has been the go-to film for photo journalist and amateurs the world over.
Has great tones and in 120 the grain is great.
N
Norbi W.
Perfect for:Great All-Rounder, Landscapes, Street Photography, Architecture, Travel, Low light/Night
Accreditation Handles:@analognorbi
Cannot go wrong with Tri-X
It's a legend for a reason
A
A T. (Islington, GB)
Perfect for:Great All-Rounder, Beginners, Portraits, Landscapes, Street Photography, Pinhole/Long-Exposure, Architecture, Creative/Abstract, Travel, Studio work
My favourite.
I've been avoiding Kodak black and white because of the price.
However, it is definitely my favourite film.
M
Matthew D. (Dagenham, GB)
Perfect for:Great All-Rounder, Beginners, Portraits, Landscapes, Street Photography, Architecture, Travel, Studio work
Lovely Tones
Lovely tones, though not my favourite film (blasphemous as that sounds). I still prefer Ilford films as I find them easier to develop.
M
Michele W. (Didcot, GB)
Perfect for:Great All-Rounder
Accreditation Handles:Michele Warren
Pushing into the darkness with crunch
I've enjoyed this at 35mm so stepping up to 120, especially while it's at such a good price, seemed a no-brainer. My first outing with it was late in the evening, but I can't yet safely do long exposures on this camera so I tried it at ISO 1600. This was another step out of my comfort zone but my hope was definitely rewarded. It did me proud in foggy conditions the following day too. The crunch from the increased contrast and grain was just great for these subjects. A happy step on my learning curve and I look forward to using the rest of the box.
Thanks to AW for push-processing and giving me confidence in planning for that.