Delta 3200 6 months expired

[Harry Lime]

I'm on the road and just noticed that a large portion of the Delta 3200 I packed expired in June of 2006.

Up until 3 months ago this film was stored in a fridge and until a few days ago in a camping cooler in a shady place (I lost my fridge when I moved)

Usually I expose this stock at 1600asa and develop in DD-X.

I know that ultra-high-speed films are sensitive to cosmic radiation and can be temperamental as they age.

Does anyone have any experience with shooting Delta3200; slightly out of date? Any noticeable issues with fog? Increased grain? I would shoot a test roll, but of course I didn't bring any tanks, chemicals etc.

Thanks,

Harry Lime

 

[patrickjames]

I haven't had much luck with D3200 past its date. Mucho fog and the speed drops off. I wouldn't use it on anything important.

Patrick

 

[Rlibersky]

I have never seen any issues with film outdated only 6 months. Even the fast ones. I don't think you need to worry.

 

[Tom Duffy]

I'm shooting up some Delta 3200 in 120 size, rated at 800, that expired in 2005. Some general, even fog but very printable negatives, with no changes from my normal development time.

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

I shot some yesterday expiring exactly the same time as yours, and I'm very confident that I will see no problems.

 

[patrickjames]

While understand others opinion on this topic, as a professional I have to say that being conservative is always the best option. Do you really want to be faced with that unbelievable, once in a lifetime image and you are not able to be sure that your $3.50 film will be good enough? Film is cheap. Your time and your images are not. Without being able to test the film you are better off using new film. I have said my peace.

Patrick

 

[htmlguru4242]

I'd use caution if this is for anything important; the stuff tends to start fogging after a few months past date. The fog is uniform but visible. I've found it to not be terribly useful at EI 3200; the fog is quite evident and its really tricky to actually hit 3200. Expose it at EI 1000 or lower and it should be fine, though I'd strongly recommend against using it for anything important.

 

[Harry Lime]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I've actually managed to find a store that sells Delta3200 and am picking up some fresh stock.

HL

 

[fhovie]

All my D3200 is expired - I get a base fog of .3 to .4. Speed stays consitant in Microphen. I print through the fog with no worries. I also develop it for ASA 6400 and expose it for 3200 (just like when it is fresh) - Is it optimum? ... no - fresh is better but for non commercial reportage - I get very satisfactory results