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- Aug 29, 2020
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I've noted this on the pure-silver list already, but I thought others here might find this of interest. I have several cameras that can use 3x2 sheet film. However the selection of films in this format has dwindled considerably. So, I've been doing some testing to see how old, new-in-box film might fare since a fair bit of the old stock is still available on places like eBay.
In the examples below, the film was developed identically: Pyrocat-HD 1.5:1:200, Semistand for 60min with an initial vigorous agitation for 2 mins and a midpoint agitation of 10seconds. Neither film was refrigerated as best as I know, certainly not by me.
Stump: Kodak Tri-X expired in July, 1974 @full box ASA of 320 (Scan of silver print)
Branch: Kodak Plus-X expired in November, 1974 @full box ASA of 125 (Scan of negative)
Both films produced entirely normal negatives and essentially full box ASA. That's attributable largely to the use of Semistand development.
The Plus-X did show some increased Film Base+Fog but not a remarkable amount.
I wouldn't buy open boxes of old film, but these tests convince me that there's no reason to not use way out of date films.
In the examples below, the film was developed identically: Pyrocat-HD 1.5:1:200, Semistand for 60min with an initial vigorous agitation for 2 mins and a midpoint agitation of 10seconds. Neither film was refrigerated as best as I know, certainly not by me.
Stump: Kodak Tri-X expired in July, 1974 @full box ASA of 320 (Scan of silver print)
Branch: Kodak Plus-X expired in November, 1974 @full box ASA of 125 (Scan of negative)
Both films produced entirely normal negatives and essentially full box ASA. That's attributable largely to the use of Semistand development.
The Plus-X did show some increased Film Base+Fog but not a remarkable amount.
I wouldn't buy open boxes of old film, but these tests convince me that there's no reason to not use way out of date films.
