Ilford FP film expired 1981

[john.margetts]

I recently bought a large box of photographic bits off Ebay. One of the bits was a brand new bulk film loader with a new 50 foot roll of Ilford FP film in it (that is FP, not FP+). Expiry date was 1981 - so 36 years past its BBF date!

Well, obviously, I have tried it. 24 exposures wound into a cassette and put in my Olympus OM10 camera. Bearing in mind its age, I rated the film at 50 ASA apart from a few shots at 25 ASA. I have now developed the film using Rodinol 1 to 50 dilution and half hour stand development with one inversion at 15 minutes for luck. Clearly, using stand development removes most of the need to worry about ASA setting and I can see little difference between those exposed at 50 ASA and those exposed at 25 ASA.

Here is a selection - grainy and contrasty but usable film.

The Witham looking west




The cathedral at 50 ASA



The cathedral at 25 ASA


Stonebow at 50 ASA


Stonebow at 25 ASA

 

[FishyFish]

Are the bottom two the correct way around? The 50 ASA shot looks brighter than the 25 ASA? In the shots of the cathedral the opposite is true, and I think the 50 ASA version is the better.

Are you going to roll the rest?

 

[john.margetts]

Yes, they are the correct way around. I would put the differences down to the vagaries of stand development and the fact I scanned with the scanner set to auto.

I shall certainly be using the film when I have suitable subjects for a contrasty and grainy treatment.

 

[FishyFish]

How many rolls do you get from 50'? I'm guessing about 15 x 24exp?

 

[john.margetts]

It's been a long time since I had a 50 foot roll but I would think 15 is about right.