Kodak Tri-X Pan is a high-speed panchromatic film (ISO 400) ideal for photographing dimly lit subjects or fast action. It also works well for photographing subjects that require good depth of field and fast shutter speeds, and for extending the distance range for flash pictures. This black-and-white film is recommended for push-processing applications.
1 I didn't know low light photography was possible in 1950
I have used Tri-X Pan at EI 3200 and even 6400, developed in Rodinol. Tri-X was introduced in the 1950's, Rodinol in the 1890's. Such a combination produces low-light performance that is quite remarkable. Now we have T-Max 3200, which has much greater speed, but was not introduced until the 1980's.
In the 1950's, 1960's, and to some extent 1970's, if you wanted to shoot in dim light, it was Tri-X Pan.
2 Grainy but forgiving
This film is classic stuff. A bit grainy, but extremely forgiving of questionable exposure times and screwy processing conditions and therefore great for a darkroom knucklehead like me. Plus, it's cheap and readily available; in this color-oriented day and age, few other B&W films are either.
3 Versatile High Speed Black and White Film
This classic Kodak high speed black and white film still holds its own against its newer competitors because of its versatility. It is one of the few films that can be easily pushed and yet still retain much of its shadow detail. However, it isn't the best; I believe Ilford HP5 Plus is better than Tri-X for shadow detail and contrast. And of course Kodak T-MAX 400 and Ilford Delta 400 are vastly superior with regards to shadow detail and contrast. Still, one can't go wrong using this high speed black and white film; a classic that is still worth using.
4 A classic
Tri-X has been around in one form or another for a very long time. It is Kodak's most popular Black and White film, which probably says a lot right there. It's not the sharpest or finest grained film on the market, but a lot of people like it's "Look."
My recommendation is to rate this film no faster than ISO/320 if you want decent shadow detail. Many prefer to rate it at 200, but that depends on what developer you're going to use.
5 Reliable, but not Exceptional
This film is great for beginer photographer that have access to a dark room. It is reliable, predictable, and durable. It isn't that tempermental, and it take good black and white pictures. However it is not excetional can miss out on some nice tones of gray. Also it is very differcult to use this film in low light. Over all it really is a great film; if not the best for begining and intermidate photographers.
