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Thread: Expired FP4+

  1. #1

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    Expired FP4+

    Hi,

    Picked up some FP4+ off the bay for 20 quid! The catch is that its expired (Oct 2018)...

    This is the first test shot (shot at half-box-speed, developed in XTOL stock for 6.5 minutes):

    Click image for larger version. 

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    The bottom of the photo is nice and clean, but in the top left hand corner there appears to be dirt/mold/fungus.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Could this be a symptom of the film being expired?

    Thanks for any help!

  2. #2
    Between here and there
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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Less than ideal storage condition (moisture), I'd say. The film is not exceptionally out-of-date, less than two years old. I have bought some expired Ilford FP4+ off the 'Bay too, but I need to develop my first sheets (looking at them now: my boxes are also with an October 2018 expiry date). One takes a few chances every now and then ...
    "Be still and allow the mud to settle."

  3. #3

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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Hi Jimi, many thanks for your advice!

    The second test shot was much better:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    This time the film was soaked in water for 2 minutes before development (XTOL stock for 6.5 minutes). Putting the negatives side-by-side the first negative looks very muddy/dirty, and this one looks a lot cleaner. Maybe the negatives at either end of the packet pick up moisture?

  4. #4

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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Quote Originally Posted by MattKHardy View Post
    Hi Jimi, many thanks for your advice!

    The second test shot was much better:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Elaines-flowers-master.jpg 
Views:	66 
Size:	67.6 KB 
ID:	205637

    This time the film was soaked in water for 2 minutes before development (XTOL stock for 6.5 minutes). Putting the negatives side-by-side the first negative looks very muddy/dirty, and this one looks a lot cleaner. Maybe the negatives at either end of the packet pick up moisture?
    They are the ones most likely to suffer fromage or poor storage.

  5. #5

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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Another test shot, and the black spots are back. All over this time. The film was soaked before developing:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Click image for larger version. 

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    Can I be sure its the film?

  6. #6

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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Quote Originally Posted by MattKHardy View Post
    Another test shot, and the black spots are back. All over this time. The film was soaked before developing:

    Click image for larger version. 

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Views:	43 
Size:	48.9 KB 
ID:	206033

    Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	206035

    Can I be sure its the film?
    The sheets of film are sticking together as I try and take them out of the packet.

    Rather than bin it, might it be possible to rinse/dry the film before using it in the camera?

  7. #7
    Between here and there
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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Could it be that the water used contains a lot of iron? I think it would save you a bit of grief to actually buy a new box of film for any serious work, and leave this box for tests. Since you have to pull the sheets apart, I am thinking it has seen some serious moisture.

    I don't think you can rinse and dry it before using it.
    "Be still and allow the mud to settle."

  8. #8

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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Quote Originally Posted by Jimi View Post
    Could it be that the water used contains a lot of iron? I think it would save you a bit of grief to actually buy a new box of film for any serious work, and leave this box for tests. Since you have to pull the sheets apart, I am thinking it has seen some serious moisture.

    I don't think you can rinse and dry it before using it.
    Hi Jimi, many thanks for your advice. Shall just use it for testing in future.

    Shall definitely try fp4 again. The one good sheet of film showed absolutely no grain and wasn't as flat as Delta 100.

  9. #9
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
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    Re: Expired FP4+

    Two years post-date is nothing. I've used FP4 sheet film 20 years post-date no problem. Seems like some moisture got to your film during improper storage.

  10. #10

    Re: Expired FP4+

    was the bag open when you bought it? Or was the bag inside the boxes intact with original seal?

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