Agfa Copex Rapid Backingpaper Marks Coming Through

[MrBrowning]

I was buying some stuff from Freestyle not to long ago and I thought "why not get some Copex Rapid to try". I bought 5 rolls along with my other items and so far i've shot 2. Both have had the numbers and markings from the backing paper on the film. The first I loaded in daylight the second I loaded in my darkroom. Any Ideas what's causing this? Anyone have a similar problem? I'm shooting it for pictorial use and have developed in Rodinal using semi-stand.

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

What were the production, expiration and production number of the batch. May be it was stored in high humidity. When you bought it , how did you store them and when you used them ? As Shangai pissed off lots of people because of paper , if it is true , your story could piss of lots of people from that film.

 

[MrBrowning]

The first roll was shot within 2 weeks of purchase. The second within within a week of the first. Film was stored in my camera cabinet in the living room of my home, so it never got above 70F or below 65F during storage. I'm at work and don't have a roll handy but when I get home I will grab the emulsion number and other things you asked for.

Purchase Date was 10/7 and I received it around the 15th if I remember correctly.

 

[grommi]

It's the backing paper. You should send the film back if possible anyhow. Here in Germany I know of users having the same problem with the Copex or rebadged as Spur DSL. We shouldn't accept faulty products. I had this prob with Shanghai GP3 some years ago, since then the film is unsaleable here and nobody imports it anymore. Which could be a pity, the recent production is said to be fine.

 

[MrBrowning]

I contacted Freestyle today and the response that I received was it's because of the camera I used. I shot the rolls in my Zeiss 517/2. I told them I'll shoot another roll tomorrow in my Yashica Mat and see if it happens again. I know that camera has no light leaks a I've run many different films though it without a problem.

Anyways the emulsion number is 77520132 expiration date 8/16.

 

[grommi]

Even if there were a lightleak, the backing paper has to be light-tight. Don't accept their flimsy excuse, it's bullshit. It's a chemical reaction of the paint used for the numbers, affecting the emulsion behind.

I hate those who blame the user first under all circumstances, hoping the problem will vanish.

 

[MrBrowning]

I don't plan too. That's why I'm using a different format 120 camera. If it happens again I'm asking for a refund. I will say I know it in't the Zeiss since I've not had a problem with other films in it including extended red sensitivity films like Retro 80s. I'm very disappointed. I had a shoot I wanted to do with the film and this is what happens.

 

[MrBrowning]

Ok so I shot another roll through my Yashica Mat on Saturday and developed it last night. No marks from the backing paper are present. I guess it was the camera.

Here is a scan of one of the frames.

 

[grommi]

Hm, I'm still not convinced. The Copex is made on a PET-base and there would be light-piping if there would be any light infall on a loose winding of the film. I once had that with a Superpan200, whoose backing paper size didn't match the used spools, so it was also a manufacturers fault. I put my shirt on a horse if you have this problem with a Kodak, Fuji or Ilford film in your Zeiss camera.