1995 Svema FN64 - Expectations?

[Wolfram Malukker]

Got 10 rolls of Svema FN-64 in 120 format, dated 1995. It's been cold stored, but I have seen a LOT of conflicting information on what this film acts like, so here I am. It was VERY inexpensive, compared to any other 120 film I've seen anywhere. (as in slightly more than the cost of shipping the fresh film I bought at the same time!)

I am thinking that the first roll needs to be bracketed at 6, 12, 25, 32, 50, 64 ASA? Then pick out which negatives look the best, and go have fun with the rest? Should I be expecting the white-dot snowstorm that I see in some other examples? I also see that FN-64 is a completely different film now than it was then, and that some photographers who lived in and through that era claim that it was pretty darn good back then?

I'm also thinking that this might be the film I start learning to develop with, since I won't be upset if I goof up the development...and medium format is more costly to get developed locally!

 

[Don_ih]

I am thinking that the first roll needs to be bracketed at 6, 12, 25, 32, 50, 64 ASA?

The majority of those numbers would be a waste. Chances are, the film is pretty close to its original speed. You may want to overexpose a stop to pull development a little to cut back on fog. A bigger problem with 30 year old 120 film will be backing-paper issues. I would expect some mottling from the contact between emulsion and paper.

 

[lamerko]

It will probably come out with a very massive base fog…

 

[Kodachromeguy]

It will probably come out with a very massive base fog…

Is the Svema unusually susceptible to fog? My 1989 Panatomic-X is still responding almost like new. However, it was a slower film than the Svema. Still, I am using the Panatomic whenever I can.

 

[lamerko]

Yes, Svema does not keep well over time. I have had a very bad experience with them.