Kodak Tri-X 400
The film that defined street photography — gritty, dramatic, and unmistakable.
Tonal Palette
Warm-toned grayscale — punchy midtone contrast
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Eastman Kodak (USA) |
| Film Type | Black & white negative |
| ISO Speed | 400 |
| Process | Standard B&W (D-76, HC-110, XTOL, Rodinal, etc.) |
| Grain | Medium-coarse — iconic gritty texture that defines photojournalism |
| Exposure Latitude | Wide (~10 stops in D-76) |
| Contrast | Medium-high |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120, 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, bulk |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Tri-X 400 requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. The correction formula below uses the exponent derived from Kodak's published technical data.
Push & Pull Processing
Tri-X is one of the most pushed and pulled films in the world. It responds beautifully across a wide range of ratings, from EI 200 for smoother tones to EI 6400 for extreme low-light situations. The Tri-X character becomes more intense as you push further.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI 200 | 200 | −1 | Finer grain, smoother tones; excellent for controlled light |
| EI 400 | 400 | 0 | Box speed — the classic Tri-X look |
| EI 800 | 800 | +1 | Classic push; slight grain increase, punchier contrast |
| EI 1600 | 1600 | +2 | Pronounced grain, dramatic contrast; the Winogrand look |
| EI 3200 | 3200 | +3 | Heavy grain, strong contrast; gritty and atmospheric |
| EI 6400 | 6400 | +4 | Extreme push; very coarse grain with deep shadows |
Character & Personality
Grain
Medium-coarse grain with an iconic, almost tangible texture. Tri-X has a distinctive grain structure that has defined the look of photojournalism for over 70 years. The grain is more pronounced than HP5 Plus and has a gritty, organic quality that gives images a timeless feel. This pronounced grain pattern is one of the primary reasons Tri-X images appear free from the constraints of any particular era.
Exposure Latitude
Wide — approximately 10 stops of dynamic range in D-76. Tri-X handles overexposure well and captures high-contrast scenes with consistent tonality. It pushes beautifully to EI 800 and EI 1600, and can be pushed as far as EI 6400 with more specialized development. Pulling to EI 200 yields finer grain and smoother tones.
Tonal Character
Slightly warm tonal rendering with punchy midtone contrast. Tri-X is known for its deep, rich blacks and bright, clean highlights. The contrast curve is more pronounced than HP5 Plus, giving images a more dramatic, high-impact look. This inherent contrast is a key part of what makes the Tri-X aesthetic so immediately recognizable.
Best Suited For
- Street photography (the definitive street film)
- Photojournalism and documentary work
- Portraits with dramatic lighting
- Low light and available light photography
- Any situation demanding a classic, gritty B&W look
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$11–13 USD |
| 120 (5-pack) | ~$40–50 USD |
| 4x5 (50 sheets) | ~$85–100 USD |
Prices are approximate and vary by retailer. Kodak implemented a 30% price drop on 35mm Tri-X in January 2024. Current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
D-76 at 1:1 is the classic Tri-X combination and the standard by which other developer pairings are judged. XTOL provides slightly finer grain while maintaining the Tri-X character. HC-110 dilution B gives higher contrast and slightly more grain for a punchier look.
Rodinal at 1:50 or 1:100 (stand development) yields extremely sharp results with enhanced grain — a popular choice for photographers who want to maximize the gritty Tri-X aesthetic. For push to EI 1600, increase D-76 time by about 40%. Tri-X is very tolerant of development time variations, making it nearly impossible to ruin.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot Tri-X with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Tri-X and 21 other film stocks. Load it as your active film and the app will automatically correct your long exposures. Track every frame on your roll and never lose count again.