[Leica] Chromogenic b/w films with Leica

[drodgers@nextlink.com]

Although I'm the first to admit that Tri-X is the "mother of all films", I
broke ranks recently and tried some XP-2 Plus.

I was apprehensive at first. I tried XP1 a long time ago and wasn't
impressed. But, I wondered if the newer chromogenic films were a more
capable match for  Leica glass. My very preliminary analysis (dozen rolls)
says that it is. Further, I was perusing the Kodak web site over the
weekend and I saw the following in the T400 CN Q& A section:

""How good is the image structure of T400 CN film?
     Exposed at EI 400, the grain and sharpness are noticeably better
     than those of most traditional 100-speed black-and-white films."

My first reaction was "noticiably better sharpness and grain than Delta
100?!!!!!"  Then again,  Delta 100 probably isn't a  "traditional" film.
Still, that bold statement indicates T400 CN is worth a closer look. I'm a
sucker for  clever marketing.... ...and economy.... I can get C-41
processing done  for $1.50/ roll. That's about what it costs for me to do
my own b/w processing -- and  much less once time is factored in. I'm also
scanning most of my film and I had good luck with XP-2 Plus in that regard.

Does anyone have any  opinions regarding XP-2 Plus vs T400 CN; or either
versus conventional films?. To bring this a little closer to topic I'll add
that I'm particulary interested in how chromogenic films handle wide
ranging contrast. I often find myself, when using Leica M, shooting a
partial roll in daylight, and finishing the roll in low contrast
situations. I've also heard that chromogenic films have great exposure
latitude, to the point you can shoot at 100 - 1,600 on the same roll. Is
that true, and if so what's the downside?

Thanks

David