Agfa APX 400

[DEarle]

I just found five rolls of unexposed Agfa APX400 that was in the back of a closet in my house. It has a process by date of July, 2008 on it.

Any thoughts as to whether it would be good still?

I really liked that film and haven't found a replacement that I like, so any suggestions along those lines would be appreciated as well.

Doug Earle

 

[Terry Christian]

Yes, it should still be just fine. Four years is nothing.

 

[horacekenneth]

I just shot through some APX 100/400 that was almost a decade old. Looked great.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

What I have discovered about APX 400 is that it accumulates base fog really fast past expiration, especially if it hasn't been cold stored. But if you have a strong enlarger light source you'll print right through it, so not much to worry about there.

Just put a roll through to see where you're at exposure wise, and use the other four if your find no major issues.

 

[Mark Crabtree]

What I have discovered about APX 400 is that it accumulates base fog really fast past expiration, especially if it hasn't been cold stored. But if you have a strong enlarger light source you'll print right through it, so not much to worry about there.

Just put a roll through to see where you're at exposure wise, and use the other four if your find no major issues.

That is my experience too with every 400 film I've used. You will also probably see a bit of increase in grain. Still it should not show any major issues if stored reasonably well.

 

[DEarle]

This has been in a closet at room temp. Main thing we worry about in South Texas is heat, but this has been air conditioned the entire time.

I'll give it a try and let you all know how it delivers.

Doug

 

[summicron1]

i shot some tri-x a while ago that expire in 1978 and it printed fine. some fog, nothing bad, like a neutral density filter.

so this agfa should be fine. you got nothing to lose.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

i shot some tri-x a while ago that expire in 1978 and it printed fine. some fog, nothing bad, like a neutral density filter.

so this agfa should be fine. you got nothing to lose.

I have done this also, and the 8x10s looked good, although a bit grainy and higher base fog. When I printed those negatives larger, however, the extra grain and film base fog was much more of a problem to overcome, and it was difficult at best to get a fine print.
I guess it depends on what your prerogatives are. If you're looking to use the film for exhibition grade prints, then it's best to test it first. If it's more casual shooting for pleasure only, then it may not matter as much, and the element of surprise that comes with older film may even be welcome in the 'fun factor'.