Better results with Alticolor than this

[erian]

I got a roll of Alticolor (i.e. Autochrome on film). I am guessing that it is very similar to the one used here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/51853869@N08/15473383511/in/album-72157648515337141/

I am wondering if it would be possible to get better results than this. Or what is it that went wrong here?

Yes, the film is old but in principle it is a black and white film, so is it possible that expired b/w film degrades to be spotty?

It is also possible that the color layer has become uneven but then also already developed autocromes should exhibit such behavior.

It is also possible that developing affected the color layer. Can this be possible?

Perhaps it is simply a poor exposure?

Any input that would potentially increase the probability of success is welcome.

 

[railwayman3]

I'm no expert on Alticolor/Autochrome and hopefully others can comment more authoritatively.

However, I do enjoy experimenting with outdated film occasionally, and it is very difficult to predict what results will be. Age is obviously a factor (and, at 60 years, this film was made before some of us were born !), but the type of emulsion (fast film is generally thought to deteriorate quicker than slow film) and particularly the storage conditions (adverse temperatures and humidity) can have a significant effect.

Even print-through from backing paper can have an effect (witness the recent Kodak problems), and, in this case the overall image does seem to suggest a paper type patterning ? Certainly the actual colours seem quite good.

Can I ask what process you are to use for your film (e.g. official Alticolor formulae)?

 

[erian]

Can I ask what process you are to use for your film (e.g. official Alticolor formulae)?

To be honest, no idea. I am not even sure if it makes sense to develop it as a positive image.

The example above was developed in caffenol as a negative (described here https://www.flickr.com/photos/51853869@N08/albums/72157648515337141 ).

The package actually comes with a small leaflet in French. I will try to read it to see if there is something usable (beside ASA, what is 10, emulsion of course must be much faster than this).

 

[AgX]

To me the artefact looks like backing paper induced due to storage under humid condition.

 

[foc]

To me the artefact looks like backing paper induced due to storage under humid condition.

+1

 

[railwayman3]

If your film is in the same pristine condition as the one in the flikr link, I'd personally keep it as a rare collector's item, rather than using it for results which, TBH, are unlikely to be very successful.

At the moment I'm experimenting with some 120 Orwocolor film, with original processing kits, and am not expecting much success, but these are not rare films (from 1990-ish) and are still fairly easily available on Ebay, The packs are also rather battered, and I already have pristine examples in my modest photographic collection.

 

[erian]

If your film is in the same pristine condition as the one in the flikr link, I'd personally keep it as a rare collector's item, rather than using it for results which, TBH, are unlikely to be very successful.

At the moment I'm experimenting with some 120 Orwocolor film, with original processing kits, and am not expecting much success, but these are not rare films (from 1990-ish) and are still fairly easily available on Ebay, The packs are also rather battered, and I already have pristine examples in my modest photographic collection.

It really is beautiful like this. But no worries. I have 3 specimens.

 

[AgX]

The film was not only shorttlived, and is hardly known, but the roll itself is weird lengthwise and non-standard.