Use of X-ray film: technical discussion with example images

[Gene McCluney]

Xray film is not panchromatic.
Your eyes will tell you, under a red safelite, if indeed there is any difference at all.
And if you use a tent or change bag- it doesn't matter- that's why no notches

X-ray film may not be Panchromatic, but I have had some fogging trying to develop by inspection under a red graphic-arts safelight. (This was blue-sensitive film)

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Forgot to ask this earlier. Are there any reciprocity numbers with the x-ray film? I mean at f-64-90 we are looking at some long exposures. Curious if someone has info on this. Thanks.

Jim

[Gene McCluney]

Forgot to ask this earlier. Are there any reciprocity numbers with the x-ray film? I mean at f-64-90 we are looking at some long exposures. Curious if someone has info on this. Thanks.

Jim

Since reciprocity is not a factor in using these films for Xray applications, I doubt the manufacturers actually publish data such as this. I think it would be more trial and error. Boy I don't know many people that expose at f90. I generally go down to about f32 with 8x10.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Since reciprocity is not a factor in using these films for Xray applications, I doubt the manufacturers actually publish data such as this. I think it would be more trial and error. Boy I don't know many people that expose at f90. I generally go down to about f32 with 8x10.

Gene, thanks. I figured some testing was in order. i normally shoot Efke 25 in 8x10, 11x14 and 8x20 and I am usually shooting at F- 32 to F-90 or even 128. I like to take a walk during some of my multi minute exposures. I can see fun and games ahead with x-ray film. Thanks.

Jim

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I forgot to ask if there is any issue with this type of film being a couple of years out of date. Is it still good if it is past expiration? I use regular film past date with good results, just wondered if this holds true for x-ray film. Thanks,

Jim

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Forgot to ask this earlier. Are there any reciprocity numbers with the x-ray film? I mean at f-64-90 we are looking at some long exposures. Curious if someone has info on this. Thanks.

Jim

I have routinely made exposures ranging from 1/8 of a second to a minute using the CXS green-sensitive x-ray film have have not noticed any sort of reciprocity failure.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I have routinely made exposures ranging from 1/8 of a second to a minute using the CXS green-sensitive x-ray film have have not noticed any sort of reciprocity failure.

Jason, this is awesome info. Thanks. Have you used any expired stuff. I have some 2 year old stuff on hold pending what everyone says here. Does this stuff hold up past its use date? Thanks.

Jim

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

I can't say, all of my film is still in date...

Anyhow, I got some really nice results yesterday with 11x14 CXS Green. At twilight at f22 for 28 seconds. I developed them for six minutes in Rodinal 1:200 at 21C and they look great. Best I have had so far. If I can ever figure out how to scan my 11x14s without stitching four together, I will post them...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I can't say, all of my film is still in date...

Anyhow, I got some really nice results yesterday with 11x14 CXS Green. At twilight at f22 for 28 seconds. I developed them for six minutes in Rodinal 1:200 at 21C and they look great. Best I have had so far. If I can ever figure out how to scan my 11x14s without stitching four together, I will post them...

Jason sounds great with your results. Like I said i have 500 sheets that I have on hold because the seller forgot to tell me it was past date by 2 years. It will be a good deal but I have never used expired x-ray film and thought I would ask. Does anyone know? If not I may reconsider. Thanks.
Jim

[DeBone75]

My 2 cents. I use Kodak Green or any of the rebrands of the same. Also Agfa. I rate at iso 100. I develop in Beutler High Def. dilluted at 1:1/2:8 1/2 for 6 min. at about 68 degrees I find this gives me the best contrast control and gradiation. I don't have a scanner so I can't post any of my results. As a side note, I found this combination also works well with Edu Ultra 200.