Kodak's black-and-white reversal motion picture film stock (7266) with 200 ISO sensitivity – a classic Super 8 and 16mm format delivering high-contrast, grainy images with a distinctive documentary aesthetic, popular for news, experimental, and artistic filmmaking.
What is Kodak Tri-X?
Kodak Tri-X (7266) is a black and white reversal film for motion pictures with an ISO of 200. As a reversal film, it directly produces a positive image on the exposed material – classic for Super 8 and 16mm with a documentary character.
Technical Data
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | B&W Reversal |
| Product Code | 7266 |
| Sensitivity | 200 ISO (Daylight) |
| Formats | Super 8, 16mm |
Reversal Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct Positive | No Negative |
| Projection | From Original |
| Unique Copy | Not Reproducible |
| Contrast | Higher than Negative |
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Contrast | High |
| Grain | Pronounced |
| Sharpness | Good |
| Dynamic Range | Limited |
Comparison with Double-X
| Aspect | Tri-X 7266 | Double-X 5222 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Reversal | Negative |
| Contrast | Higher | Controllable |
| Grain | Coarser | Finer |
| Flexibility | Lower | Higher |
Available Formats
| Format | Availability |
|---|---|
| Super 8 | Standard |
| 16mm | On Request |
| 35mm | Not Available |
| Still Film | TX 400 (Negative) |
Sensitivity
| Condition | ISO |
|---|---|
| Daylight | 200 |
| Tungsten | 160 |
| Push +1 | 400 |
| Push +2 | 800 |
Exposure
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tolerance | Low (Reversal) |
| Metering | Precise |
| Overexposure | Avoid |
| Shadows | Detail Lost |
Processing
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Reversal Process |
| Labs | Specialized |
| Turnaround | Varies |
| Push/Pull | Possible |
Classic Applications
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| News | Historical TV |
| Documentary | Authentic Look |
| Experimental | Art Film |
| Super 8 | Home Movies |
Aesthetics
| Feature | Effect |
|---|---|
| High Grain | Raw, Documentary |
| Contrast | Dramatic |
| Blacks | Deep, Dense |
| Vintage | Timeless |
Modern Usage
| Project | Reason |
|---|---|
| Music Videos | Retro Look |
| Experimental | Artistic |
| Inserts | Archive Match |
| Shorts | Budget-Friendly |
Still Film vs. Motion
| Version | Description |
|---|---|
| TX 400 | Still Film, Negative |
| 7266 | Motion, Reversal |
| Difference | Process, Character |
| Confusion | Frequent |
Labs
| Lab | Service |
|---|---|
| Pro8mm | Super 8 Specialist |
| Kodak Lab | Standard |
| Cinelab | UK |
| Andec | Berlin |
Storage
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Unexposed | Cold, -18°C |
| Short-Term | Refrigerator |
| Exposed | Develop Quickly |
| Long-Term | Freezer |
Challenges
| Problem | Handling |
|---|---|
| Narrow DR | Expose Carefully |
| Grain | Accept as Look |
| Labs | Few Available |
| Scanning | Reversal Capable |
Scan Tips
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scanner | Reversal Support |
| Resolution | 2K-4K |
| Inversion | Not Necessary |
| Handling | Careful |
Alternatives
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Double-X | Negative, More Control |
| Fomapan R | Alternative Reversal |
| Digital B&W | Post-Conversion |
| Film Emulation | Software Look |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Testing | Understand Character |
| Precise Exposure | Low Tolerance |
| Accept the Look | Grain is a Feature |
| Lab Communication | Clarify Expectations |
Today
Kodak Tri-X 7266 remains a niche product for filmmakers who appreciate its characteristic reversal look. High contrast, pronounced grain, and the magic of direct positive make Tri-X the choice for documentary, experimental, and artistic projects with an authentic aesthetic.