For around 20 years there has only been one film grain champion - Kodak Technical Pan. This amazing film (maybe the first to use the then revolutionary tabular grain technology), originally invented as a high contrast document copying film, was then evolved into a film used for huge blow-ups from top secret satellite and aerial reconnaissance when a full range of tones was required. Special developers were formulated by Kodak, and others, to allow full tonal range utilisation. While other slow films have come and gone, it has always had by far the finest grain, and it continues as a unique emulsion capable of stunning results, making small format look like medium, and medium format look like 5x4. BUT this requires the most careful and precise exposure and development, otherwise fierce contrast with bullet-proof highlights and black-hole shadows can easily ruin fine images. AND, ultra smooth and fine as the grain may be, with unrivalled resolution, the apparent sharpness can disappoint. It can look a little soft.

Now, there is TechXactol©, a DiXactol©-derived developer, which brings super-tanning to tame the contrast by restraining those galloping highlights while shadow density and separation are coaxed up. The fine grain structure is retained, and indeed enhanced by the rich brown stain which fills the spaces between the grain clumps with printing density to mask it even more. And the sharpness! Wow! The ultra definition components give unrivalled acutance and a completely new image crispness. There is even a slight speed increase to EI 32. It can be used for other films too where contrast control is needed. It comes in two 100ml packs (A+B) of very long life concentrates which dilute 1:1:100 with water for a basic capacity of over 30 films. The price is £10 per A+B pack plus post and packing (UK £2.00, airmail Europe £3.00, USA/Canada £5.00, rest of world £6.00).