Old HP5 Film

I'm curious. How might 10 year old, unrefrigerated HP5 deteriorate?

If you have it, try a sheet from the middle of he box.It may be OK, and it may not. I just tested some Adox film I had on hand since before 2000. It was clear and responded well to the same development after exposure at 20% lower EI.

I have some Hp5 from around 1984. I shot a roll about 8 years ago and base density was around 0.65

I've shot a lot of HP5 Plus sheet film that's several years old and has been stored at moderate room temperature. My experience has been that it picks up B+F density but remains readily printable with no apparent change in fundamental image qualities.

The HP5+ expired in 2012 that I have seems to scratch more than fresh. It's a single box that I bought used.

Film like this benefits from 1/2 to one ounce of Benzotriazole per Quart or Litre of working developer. This will retard the base fog and help the contrast appear normal with less blocking up of the shadow detail.

Antifog #1 from Kodaks formulas will also work in same proportion. B&H sells it.

By the way old paper will also benefit from adding an ounce to the paper developer as well.

I just shot a box of 2012 HP5+ in 8x10. I gave it an extra stop of light and that was it.