developing expired 127 film

I recently purchased a kodak baby brownie that had a roll of film left in it with about half the frames exposed. I decided to shoot the rest of the roll. It was old kodacolor-x film requiring c22 processing. As I understand it, c22 while being a color film can be processed using black and white chemistry to obtain a black and white image (or at least I read that somewhere, maybe it's wrong?). I doubt storage of this film was ideal and the film is probably shot from age. Just wondering though if it might be worth a try? I don't have a reel that will fit this size film so I thought I might try developing it in a tray, cutting the film near the length of the tray. Is it even worth my time to try or do you think I might just have too many variables stacked against me?

If you have an older Paterson reel, most likely it will have a setting for 127.

Below are two shots I did on Kodacolor-X that expired in 1973 and developed as black and white. They are 127 film shot in a Baby Rolleiflex. You will probably have more fog on the older photos, the rest will depend on storage of the film. Since the film was opened and exposed to air there will probably be more fog on the edges, mine came from a sealed package. These were developed in beer but any black and white developer will work. I did some digital manipulation to get these images looking like they do now, the negatives will be a bit dark, probably not good for printing but ok for scanning.

Illahee Pier by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Gun at Illahee State Park by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Jobo and Paterson reels right up to those sold today can take 127 film. That should cover most of the reels out there, if you have a different reel you could probably locate a Paterson reel cheaply. My "partner in photography" bought a Paterson kit in May this year and the reels handle 127. She processed her first 127 film just this past weekend

As for old C22 films, generally B&W neg is the best way to go though there are a handful of labs still offering C22 the turnaround could easily be months or years. My general rule of thumb is ID-11 or D76 for 7-8 minutes or so, two inversions every 60 seconds.

And it's always worth trying with film you've found. I once got 16 excellent images of my uncle and aunt moving into their first home some 36 years after the event was photographed. Just last year I came across a Kodacolor film in a used camera, had it processed as C41 and then scanned it myself....got three decent colour photos and 10 others that I could make decent in B&W clearly of family trips to Wales and London. Sadly I haven't been able to find out *who* the family is (the camera was from an auction, seller no relation to previous owner) but it's a fabulous slice of history which has engaged the services of a mini-lab operator, a national historical society and friends....we've been able to deduce the film was probably shot in the summer of 1978 and have figured out all the locations. Quite a fun treasure hunt if nothing else!

Most of the Jobo 1500 series reels out there will not accept 127 film. All of the 2500 series reels (larger diameter than the 1500s), including those made today, will take 127. If you want to use a Jobo to develop 127 film, a 2500 series tank and reels is your best bet.

I will double check my Patterson tanks and report back. I know I have one for 35mm only that won't expand to 120, but I have a second kit that is older that I use for 120 size. I have to admit I haven't tried adjusting it's size. If it will go into 127 size then I'll develop the film tonight!

BAC1967 said:

Below are two shots I did on Kodacolor-X that expired in 1973 and developed as black and white. They are 127 film shot in a Baby Rolleiflex. You will probably have more fog on the older photos, the rest will depend on storage of the film. Since the film was opened and exposed to air there will probably be more fog on the edges, mine came from a sealed package. These were developed in beer but any black and white developer will work. I did some digital manipulation to get these images looking like they do now, the negatives will be a bit dark, probably not good for printing but ok for scanning.

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Pretty impressive result! There might be hope for my images yet.

….and there's no hope for my images. Yes- turns out one of my reels did open to 127 size. Fighting the film curl was horrific so I cut it into thirds and threaded it on (barely) by hand without using the Patterson reel to thread it (as that dislodged the film instantly). I processed 1/3 at a time. The curl was like nothing I've seen before. Processed it but it must not have liked my black and white chemistry (kodacolor x was supposed to be processable in black and white chemistry but I wasn't able to find any mention as to which chemistry. I also only have one type here on hand and I wasn't about to spend any more money on film that likely wouldn't process. The film seemed to be made up of two different materials laminated together. One side was very brown/red. The other was a very pale tan color. There were no discernible images. I'm surprised that the backing paper Is in as good of shape as it is. If I decide to ever shoot any modern 127 film at least I have a spare spool now.

Check it with a bright light, sometimes the image can be very faint but can be recovered with scanning.

OrientPoint said:

Most of the Jobo 1500 series reels out there will not accept 127 film. All of the 2500 series reels (larger diameter than the 1500s), including those made today, will take 127. If you want to use a Jobo to develop 127 film, a 2500 series tank and reels is your best bet.

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I would query this as I have a three 1500 series reels and all three can take 135, 127 and 120. One I bought new circa 2001 with my 1520 tank and the other two I bought later....one new one second hand.

I have recently used a brand new 2019 bought Paterson system with reels that also take 135, 127 and 120. It wasn't special, just the regular reel that comes with a new Paterson tank. The tank came with two such reels.

But the main point is there are lots of reels and associated tanks out there which can take 127 film.

Agulliver said:

I would query this as I have a three 1500 series reels and all three can take 135, 127 and 120. One I bought new circa 2001 with my 1520 tank and the other two I bought later....one new one second hand.

I have recently used a brand new 2019 bought Paterson system with reels that also take 135, 127 and 120. It wasn't special, just the regular reel that comes with a new Paterson tank. The tank came with two such reels.

But the main point is there are lots of reels and associated tanks out there which can take 127 film.

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Oh then you're lucky! Almost all of my Jobo 1500 reels are the common white ones that definitely do not do 127. There are 1500 reels made of translucent plastic that do take 127. I only have a couple of them, and since I shoot 127 often I use those reels often and am always on the look out for more. As I wrote, all of the 2500-series reels I've ever seen can do 127, which is why I suggested those as a "sure bet".

If you look hard enough you can find 127 stainless steel reels, that’s what I use.