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

[Donald Qualls]

Wow. Just coming into this (skipped a good chunk of this thread, so pardon if I've missed a previously posted answer to my question), and this looks like a way to make larger format affordable (I'm contemplating building an 8x10 field camera) -- thirty-five or forty cents a sheet looks a lot more attractive than five bucks or more per exposure for 8x10, and I can live with an orthochromatic sensitivity curve, almost all the time. Some of the stuff a long way back up the thread appears to be gone or the vendors out of business (like industrial NDT film) -- but medical films are still available in multiple brands, suggesting they've still got some legs.

Am I correct in understanding that these materials can be handled in red (for "green" films) or yellow (for "blue") safelight? That would greatly simplify cutting down to size (a paper cutter with felt on the table and a stop for exact dimension should do the job), not to mention being able to develop by inspection in light levels that don't require averted vision to see the image. Are there any known sources for film factory-cut to 5x7 or 4x5 (and if so, is it compatible with standard film holders)?

[Tin Can]

8x10, 11x14 and 14x17 fits ANSI holders.

I use red LED safelight, for all situations.

Cutting down to any size is easy under LED.

There are various films being used.

7x17 cuts to 5x7 nicely.

[mdarnton]

I admit to being hung up on not shooting because 4x5 film is so expensive AND too small. Then I got some xray film, and everything is different. I even bought an 8x10 camera....something that I'd previously dismissed as being too expensive. I may not ever shoot any regular LF film again.

[SergeiR]

and here is same little guy amongst greenery that is autumn in Dallas (grrrr)

8x10, Kodak CSG, 10m rotary in 1:100 Adonal

Scan-140927-0010www by Sergei Rodionov, on Flickr

[Tin Can]

It really is a good idea to read both X-Ray threads in their entirety.

I did and it helped me immensely.

[Jim Noel]

If the info concerning X-Ray film is not in the two threads, you don't need it.

[jcoldslabs]

Donald,

One caution if you haven't already taken note: many x-ray films have emulsion on both sides, front and back. This can be an issue depending on the processing regimen you use. Drums with smooth (or ribbed) interior surfaces can lead to uneven development and/or scratching of the rear facing emulsion, while tray development is less problematic in this respect. Since I use Cibachrome drums for my film development I shoot Kodak (Carestream) Ektascan B/RA film which is a traditional single-sided orthochromatic emulsion with anti-halation dyes on the back side. And yes, it fits right into an 8x10 holder without any trimming.

Jonathan

[kanga]

what do you mean @both?

fujinon-w 250/6,3 i have for 1 year and till this august it was my the only lens

Sorry my English is not too good..

So:
I tried on 8x10" this lens: Fujinon-W 250/6,3 but not really enough...
Are you use a long time ago this lens for 8x10?
Do you have any Vignetta, darkness in the corners, when you use correction (horizontal/vertical)?
My serial number is: 494117 and yours?
Thank you!

[kanga]

Someone has used this film?
How can the sensitivity?
Tolerate the red light?

[lecarp]

Jonathan, What developer are you using with this Kodak (Carestream) Ektascan B/RA?
Have you any sample images convenient to share?

Donald,

One caution if you haven't already taken note: many x-ray films have emulsion on both sides, front and back. This can be an issue depending on the processing regimen you use. Drums with smooth (or ribbed) interior surfaces can lead to uneven development and/or scratching of the rear facing emulsion, while tray development is less problematic in this respect. Since I use Cibachrome drums for my film development I shoot Kodak (Carestream) Ektascan B/RA film which is a traditional single-sided orthochromatic emulsion with anti-halation dyes on the back side. And yes, it fits right into an 8x10 holder without any trimming.

Jonathan