Kodak T-Max P3200

Kodak T-Max P3200 is Kodak's ultra-high-speed B&W film — nominally rated ISO 3200 but with a true ISO closer to 1000-1250, designed for available-light photography at EI 1600-3200. T-Max P3200 was discontinued in 2012 then reintroduced in 2018 in response to community demand; currently in production. The "P" prefix indicates the film is intended to be pushed as part of standard exposure.

Key features

• Nominal ISO 3200 rated; true ISO ~1000-1250
• Coarse grain — the largest of any T-Max film; visible at any enlargement
• T-grain emulsion — finer grain than equivalent push of Tri-X to EI 1600
• Available in 35mm and 120 in current production (no sheet)
• The reintroduced 2018 formulation is reportedly slightly different from the 2012-discontinued version; 2018+ packaging features distinctive new branding

Workflow

• Standard exposure at EI 1600 with development time for "EI 1600" — produces the cleanest results
• Standard exposure at EI 3200 with extended development — usable but visibly grainy
• Push to EI 6400+ is possible with extended Microphen development
• T-Max RS, Microphen, D-76 stock all work; T-Max RS is the Kodak-recommended pairing

Practical notes

• Use case: indoor sports, low-light photojournalism, concert photography
• The coarse grain is the aesthetic — photographers either embrace it or use the film only when nothing slower works
• Reintroduced 2018 after 6-year gap — the photographer community pressure that produced the reintroduction is well-documented in trade press
• Cold storage extends shelf life

Related films

• Ilford Delta 3200 — Ilford ultra-high-speed alternative
• Kodak Tri-X 400 pushed to EI 1600-3200 — alternative for moderate-speed photography
• Kodak T-Max 400 — Kodak T-grain sibling at slower speed