exposure for digital is not unlike slide film. meter your highlights, and your shadows to get your light ratios correct then expose for the highlights.

two best options:
wein safesych adapter
Radio slave.

tmax requires longer development times in standard developers (ie d76), than say ilford xp5 or kodak tri x. make sure they know why you're trying them out. show them your wrecked negs.

I think we've already established that there was a density problem that clearly indicate a LAB ERROR. Most labs post diclaimers that limit thier liability to a replacement roll of film. This lab however seems to be blaming you for thier error, and not even willing to go that far.
All you can do is pick a date right after xmas when they're really busy and demand some satisfaction in front of as many witnesses as possible. Exercise your right to freedom of speech and warn others. lastly write a few letters..here in Canada I'd try the better business bureau and chamber of commerce.
seem like more trouble than it's worth? I think so..take your business elswhere.
bottom line:
Everybody's nice when things go right, it's when things go wrong that people show thier true colors.
they're no good. move on.

Sorry to hear your film got ruined....
I'm no expert, but am using ilford hp5 4x5 sheet film in d-76 for the time being....I had no Idea how rusty my skills had gotten......
Darkroom is fun again, but I must admit, once I pass this class, I'll never do it again...the only chemistry measuring I'll be doing in the dark from then on will be in the bar I'm building in my basement.
http://keppler.popphoto.com/blog/2006/10/film_forever.html#more

Could also find out what developer they used...I don't remember which developer kodak recomends, but I seem to recall the old stand-by d76 doesn't bring out the films best tonal range.
"Freshly made" vs "seasoned" could also cause that.
"seasoned" aka slightly used does slow the reaction down a touch alowing for more tonal range.

try using your tripod when you're in your kyak....
tripod won't help if you can't use it.....
then there's shallow dof in portraits.....
also what point is "sharper" lens when you lose the shot due to subject motion, because you can't get a faster shutter speed?
sometimes there's no shot unless you can get a superfast telephoto....is it worth the price? depends on how often you miss those photo ops and how much having them really means to you. I imagine pro sports/wildlife/portraits photogs will put a higher value than an occasional vacation snapshooter.

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/digitalmedia/2006/10/19/expodisc.html
expodisc for dustmapping....hmmmn

I think I meant spritz the flowers not your filter or your camera or your scotch....I think I need to post a liability waiver if I'm to continue giving out advice....
Do NOT drink scotch, and blow things up while taking pictures....your pictures CAN and most likely WILL be used in court against you.