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Consensus on Kodak 120 Backing Paper Issue???? Fixed??? or not . .

John Galt

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I read this entire thread, all seven pages: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
Now that I am retired, I am just getting back to my youthful passion of B&W Analog Photography, and have just acquired my first medium format camera.

I always was, and still am a huge Tri X fan. After reading that thread, I am hesitant to buy ~any~ Kodak 120 roll film product.

So what's the deal? Did Kodak sort this out or do I need to consider another film, Ilford Delta perhaps?
 

DWThomas

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Well here's a tiny data point ...

The main concern seemed to center on 400 Tmax, but as more info, such as emulsion numbers, came out, there was some 400TX listed. Wouldn't you know, the fifteen tolls I had bought for a trip were from that batch. So I contacted the Kodak person via email. He told me there had been very little indication of a problem with 400TX, but to send him my snail mail address, after which he sent me replacement rolls. I have since shot several of the original rolls that were in question, using them on silly local projects that I could re-shoot, and have not seen a problem.

I also hauled a dozen or more of the later replacement batch on a 3.5 week 5800 mile auto trek out to southern Utah, northern Arizona, northern New Mexico, etc. in July. I kept the film in a couple of those insulated bags that neatly fit a six-pack. They spent their time in the back of a modest sized SUV, and air temperatures on occasion were well over 100ºF (although low humidity). The insulation would hardly keep the film from reaching the temperature extremes, but at least slow the rate of change a bit. I have seen nothing untoward in the rolls I shot and processed. I took, and used, about 50% Ilford HP5 Plus mixed in with the 400TX (not being an all the eggs in one basket kinda guy).

I am left to suspect that the 400 Tmax problem was some unholy combination of the backing paper/ink out-gassing *and* the particular chemistry of that film interacting. But that is a barely educated guess, nothing resembling true knowledge. The only "real problem" I am currently aware of with the latest backing paper is that it is lighter printing and harder to read in a 'red window' camera, and unless there have been more recent changes, they dropped one row of numbers that were used by some 6x9 format cameras. The latter is a true problem if you're shooting one of those cameras. My Ercona II is fine with the new stuff -- haven't tried rewinding any on 620 spools for my Brownie Target Six-20! My Bronica and Yashica TLR don't need the numbers at all, my Perkeo II 6x6 just needs to find '1' in the center row.
 
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John Galt

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Thanks Dave for that well crafted response. I am shooting a Hasselblad 500C, so the red window issue is a non-starter. Glad to hear that TMax was the major culprit and not Tri X.

My ~one~ bucket list item is to drive/hike/kayak/canoe/camp the Louis and Clark Trail from St. Louis to the Pacific. Of course documenting the journey with photos. I am 63 and in great health and shape . . but the journey is still several years in the future. Looking to get my photo chops and gear/film choices up to speed, Tri X and a Hasselblad was to be one of my staples. Looking forward to others chiming in with their observations. Thanks for taking the time to jot down your experience with this issue.
 

mshchem

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I'm buying Kodak, I was fortunate that I have had no issues. I personally believe that Kodak has this resolved. I shoot a ton of 120, Fuji, Ilford and Kodak. I am a avid user of Tmax 400 TMY2, the current backing paper is AOK. I got lucky never had any effected lots. It was a very real problem.
Your planned adventure sounds great.
Mike
 

John Wiegerink

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I hope so 'cause I would like to be shooting some TMY2 for certain things.