learning_jd
8-Sep-2012, 10:29
Today I stumbled on a un-opened box of 4x5 Tech pan 4415 (thick base) film. I then remembered it was given to me when I purchased a 4x5 monorail camera. On the outside, it looked like the box was opened and I really thought nothing of it. The expiration date was 11/2001. So today when I saw it I thought what the heck. Let's see if there is any film in it and if it's bad.
Well, the box was open but the white pack inside was not. So I loaded up 1 side of a holder and went outside and stuck it in my Speed Graphic. I wasn't sure what to set the speed, so I guessed 100. (Yes, there is a chart on the back of the box.) Pointed the camera to the backyard and cloud-filled sky I placed the wood fence on zone 4 and white cloud on 8 with a Yellow 11 filter. Meter said 1/8 sec at f/32 but shutter does 1/10. Ok. Click.
Developed it in straight old (but in a air-tight container) ID-11 for 8 1/2 minutes in a drum (constant agitation). I really wasn't expecting anything, but holy smokes! The negative is good! The sky is almost black (still see cloud definitions). Fence is light gray and can see loads of detail.
So... what should I do with it? I'm sure I was all over the place with it's speed rating and sloppy developing. But at least I know the film seems viable.
I've only shot with modern stuff (Tmax in rolls but rest all sorts of ILFORD in both rolls and sheets). It this similar to any modern film? Must/should I use a specific developer and only a certain way to develop it? Is it anything special of should I just blow through it like any other film?
Any insight would be welcomed.
Jon
Well, the box was open but the white pack inside was not. So I loaded up 1 side of a holder and went outside and stuck it in my Speed Graphic. I wasn't sure what to set the speed, so I guessed 100. (Yes, there is a chart on the back of the box.) Pointed the camera to the backyard and cloud-filled sky I placed the wood fence on zone 4 and white cloud on 8 with a Yellow 11 filter. Meter said 1/8 sec at f/32 but shutter does 1/10. Ok. Click.
Developed it in straight old (but in a air-tight container) ID-11 for 8 1/2 minutes in a drum (constant agitation). I really wasn't expecting anything, but holy smokes! The negative is good! The sky is almost black (still see cloud definitions). Fence is light gray and can see loads of detail.
So... what should I do with it? I'm sure I was all over the place with it's speed rating and sloppy developing. But at least I know the film seems viable.
I've only shot with modern stuff (Tmax in rolls but rest all sorts of ILFORD in both rolls and sheets). It this similar to any modern film? Must/should I use a specific developer and only a certain way to develop it? Is it anything special of should I just blow through it like any other film?
Any insight would be welcomed.
Jon