Completely unknown film stock, what could this possibly have been for?

[MCB18]

Hi all! I was recently given a roll of 105mm film to see if I could do anything with it. I wasn’t expecting much, maybe something usable, most likely a super contrasty microfilm. Although even then I was doubtful as the film came in a paper wrapper that looked like it had been torn open at some point.

Well, it turns out, it’s a lot weirder than I was expecting. The film seems to be on an acetate 35mm base and is definitely not a microfilm. The tonal curve is a lot smoother and the speed is still reasonable even with base fog (EI 12-25), which to me says it might’ve been a decently speedy film. It is an ortho film.

A few other notes that might help at least narrow down what it was used for, the film base does not completely clear when fixed, it is a gray base with a slightly blue/purple tint. It also came in a paper wrapper on a cardboard tube. The roll was also approximately 80m long when I got it, however, as mentioned the paper did look like it had been opened so it’s entirely possible that some of it was used before I received it.

If anyone has any idea what the stuff might’ve been used for I would be very curious to know! I don’t think I’ve ever seen 105 mm film that wasn’t microfilm, and I’m very intrigued.

 

[FredK]

I'm not an expert in the 105mm film manufactered in Rochester, but I did have a time going through the perforators (two) which came into my building for rebuilding back in the late '80's. I believe that 105mm film was used by Aerial and Industrial Imaging and was used in Aerial cameras where great detail was required in enlargements (think US Governement, Military, SR71 Blackbird flights). Back during the Cold War days, a lot of Aerial film was being manufactured for so many government uses. The film you have might be a derrivative of the old Technical Pan or Aerochrome.

 

[MCB18]

I'm not an expert in the 105mm film manufactered in Rochester, but I did have a time going through the perforators (two) which came into my building for rebuilding back in the late '80's. I believe that 105mm film was used by Aerial and Industrial Imaging and was used in Aerial cameras where great detail was required in enlargements (think US Governement, Military, SR71 Blackbird flights). Back during the Cold War days, a lot of Aerial film was being manufactured for so many government uses. The film you have might be a derrivative of the old Technical Pan or Aerochrome.

I can definitely say it’s not Techpan or Aerochrome just based on the color of the film and the images.

As far as aerial sizes, AFAIK they never used 105mm for it. Closest I can think of is 125mm (5”) rolls (used in airplanes like the U2 and SR71, and I think Corona?).

The only thing I can find that seems to use 105mm is microfilm/microfiche equipment which is why I was so surprised to see the results.

 

[lt_col_gordon_tall]

Was it perforated?

 

[MCB18]

Was it perforated?

No, it was not perforated.

 

[lt_col_gordon_tall]

No, it was not perforated.

Can't help then!

I recently came upon a 105mm roll of Kodak photofluorographic diagnostic film from the early 1990s, but it is only 150 feet long, perforated, and appears to have a bluer base after fixing. It also didn't have a paper wrapper. So apparently not a match.

 

[MCB18]

Can't help then!

I recently came upon a 105mm roll of Kodak photofluorographic diagnostic film from the early 1990s, but it is only 150 feet long, perforated, and appears to have a bluer base after fixing. It also didn't have a paper wrapper. So apparently not a match.

That sounds very interesting. Actually, I didn’t realize that 105mm could even have perforations. Assuming it worked, I think it would be kind of interesting to play around with, xray and flurography film always seemed kind of neat to me.

 

[lt_col_gordon_tall]

That sounds very interesting. Actually, I didn’t realize that 105mm could even have perforations. Assuming it worked, I think it would be kind of interesting to play around with, xray and flurography film always seemed kind of neat to me.

I'm starting to have fun with it after a couple test rolls. Works well at 50 to 80 ISO. And I snagged it for only $25.

 

[MCB18]

I'm starting to have fun with it after a couple test rolls. Works well at 50 to 80 ISO. And I snagged it for only $25.

What kind of core was it on, and are the perforations KS? Trying to fill out the SP number chart for 874

 

[lt_col_gordon_tall]

What kind of core was it on, and are the perforations KS? Trying to fill out the SP number chart for 874

KS perforations. And pretty sure metal spool, but let me confirm that next time I get it out to make additional 120 rolls. I might be mixing it up with something else I handled recently.