Expired FP4

[Nguss]

I have not used expired film before but picked up some FP4 today which expired in July this year. Can I ask if anyone has any particular tips for both using FP4, and whether you think the July expiry date is likely to require compensation? I am just going to take it out and try it, but any tips would be useful.

Thanks again.

[BrianShaw]

No compensation required.

[Brian C. Miller]

Film isn't like something from the produce section. Film that is years "out of date" can still be just fine, with no visible degradation. Go ahead and use it.

[BrianShaw]

Film isn't like something from the produce section. Film that is years "out of date" can still be just fine, with no visible degradation.

... except if stored under really horrid condition, of course.

[Nguss]

Thanks, hopefully it should be o.k as it was from a local camera shop. Is it worth underexposing slightly with this as I had a recommendation to expose HP5 at 320 and I really like the results.

[BrianShaw]

Underexpose only if you want more density in your neg, not as 'compensation". And a 1/3 stop difference really isn't that significant.

[Nguss]

Cheers! I will give it a go at 125 and 100. Thanks again, I really appreciate the helpfulness round here.

[Harold_4074]

There seems to be a bit more variability with contemporary Ilford, compared to the Kodak products of days gone by. I have had film from a major retailer develop noticeable fog by the time it reached its marked date, and other film from the same source be fine years beyond the marked date. It is possible that Kodak just had a higher turnover, but it is also possible that Ilford is marking the film for its anticipated remaining life with (occasionally) a bit too much optimism. There was a thread a while ago related to their practice of not dating enlarging paper, presumably so that retailers would not have to manage inventory that was at or beyond its sell-by date.

By and large, FP4 is a pretty durable stock, but you would be well advised to test it before using it for anything critical or irreplaceable. This advice probably applies to any sensitized product, regardless of whether it is beyond a marked "expiration" date.

[Jim Noel]

I use outdated FP4+ almost all the time. Some of my friends say I don't know how to use film when it is in date. Of course, I do keep my film in a refrigerator or freezer.

[Tracy Storer]

Thanks, hopefully it should be o.k as it was from a local camera shop. Is it worth underexposing slightly with this as I had a recommendation to expose HP5 at 320 and I really like the results.

NOTE: rating HP5 at 320 vs the mfgs rating of 400 is OVER exposing(not by much), not UNDER exposing.

Under-rate to overexpose, over-rate to underexpose.