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

[Brian Bullen]

Jim,
My first batch of 8x10 x-film was 8 years past date and it worked very well. Contrast was excellent, I couldn't find any defects except for my own Exposure times in the nuarc were pretty short to start out, so no noticeable base fog. That's what got me hooked.

[Gene McCluney]

I see no reason that black and white Xray film would be any more prone to age effects than conventional b/w film. It is a slow film (ISO 100 approx). So it should have the same keeping qualities as FP4+ or Plus-X. Remember-it is just double sided b/w film-sensitive to either blue light, or blue & Green light (Ortho), and it is on a blue base, rather than clear base, but other than that, it is not exotic in any way. If I recall, some Foma 120 size roll film is also on a blue base. It is so cheap to purchase fresh and new, I would be hesitant to purchase any old film unless you could get it for 10 cents a sheet or so for 8x10. I just ordered 100 sheets of Green sensitive 7x17 for $56.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I see no reason that black and white Xray film would be any more prone to age effects than conventional b/w film. It is a slow film (ISO 100 approx). So it should have the same keeping qualities as FP4+ or Plus-X. Remember-it is just double sided b/w film-sensitive to either blue light, or blue & Green light (Ortho), and it is on a blue base, rather than clear base, but other than that, it is not exotic in any way. If I recall, some Foma 120 size roll film is also on a blue base. It is so cheap to purchase fresh and new, I would be hesitant to purchase any old film unless you could get it for 10 cents a sheet or so for 8x10. I just ordered 100 sheets of Green sensitive 7x17 for $56.

Guys, thanks a lot! i just got 500 sheets of green sensitive for .15 a sheet that is 2 years past date. I'll tell the seller to send it. Looks like I'll be stocked for a while!
Now to get some 8x10! too bad there is no 8x20!


Jim

[jb7]

ok, stupid question coming up...

I'd quite like to try this at some point-
but that will probably mean having it shipped, or brought over from the states...

stupid question-

How do you think it might be affected by airport security scanners?

[venchka]

They don't use x-ray film in the EU?

[jb7]

Well, They probably do, I've just been doing a search-
nothing come up for Ireland so far...

If it came in from abroad, it might be scanned anyway-

The point is, those prices in the US are affordable,
and might make it worthwhile-

I'm sure the price for similar material here would be multiples of the prices referred to in this thread...

[Gene McCluney]

X-ray film is used worldwide. You should be able to find a vendor in Ireland, or the EU easily. You should inquire at a local health clinic or Doctors office.

[jb7]

Will do, thank you...

[Jiri Vasina]

It's getting more difficult to obtain X-Ray film at least here in the Czech Republic, and I think it would also be true for the rest of EU. The reason is the progress of digitalization - all the university hospitals here and some of the smaller ones have "upgraded" (?) to digital X-Ray machines that do not use film.

The one film that was used for photography (or better, was reported to be used as such. I haven't used any of them yet), Foma Medix PT was discontinued without supplement...

[Gene McCluney]

It's getting more difficult to obtain X-Ray film at least here in the Czech Republic, and I think it would also be true for the rest of EU. The reason is the progress of digitalization - all the university hospitals here and some of the smaller ones have "upgraded" (?) to digital X-Ray machines that do not use film.

While the market is shrinking, I don't think it has evaporated. Small clinics can't afford the digital equipment. They get their X-ray film from somewhere. It would be informative to inquire around with those still using X-ray film.