Developing old 620 film

[edcculus]

Hi,

An acquaintance of mine recently found a Kodak Brownie (target six-20 i think) at a thrift store. They actually bought it for a display piece due to its art deco style. They found an exposed roll of film inside. I offered to develop it for him just to see what was on it. Would I have any problems developing a roll of 620 using my plastic reels? I know the width is slightly different.

I'm also assuming its B&W film, but I have not seen the reel or asked what it is.

 

[railwayman3]

The actual film is the same size as 120, so a 120 developing reel should be fine. The difference between 120 and 620 was that the latter had a thinner camera spool.
If you look around the forum there are lots of posts on the best developers, etc., recommended for old B&W films. If it's an old color film it may be more difficult, as processes, chemicals and timings, have been changed over the years.

 

[edcculus]

Thanks! If its old color film, I doubt I'll be touching it unless its possible to develop it in B&W chemistry and get something. Right now, I have HC-110 on hand.

 

[Denverdad]

HC-110 seems to be the most commonly suggested developer for elderly film, so it sounds like you are in good shape with what you have. A technique involving higher concentration and lower development temperature is often recommended, preferably preceded by a clip test to determine a good development time, as explained here.

If it is color negative film, you can likely develop it in B&W chemistry and still get good images. I have done it a couple times myself now with good results. Be aware that the negatives may be considerably more dense than what you are used to with normal B&W negatives, but that doesn't necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with the images.

 

[edcculus]

Thanks guys! I'll try some of those suggestions out, and post back if I'm dumbfounded when I have film in hand. I'll likely just develop and do a contact sheet. The bloke is really just interested in what is on the film. I said I'd help him instead of him having to pay $25 + at a lab to get possible dud pictures. I doubt I'll be printing from any of the negatives unless we find something awesome.

 

[Hatchetman]

The film is going to have serious curl to it!

 

[PhotoJim]

Please don't throw away the spool. In fact, I'd pay postage to get it since I have only two and I can only have one roll of film prepared for shooting at a time.

 

[edcculus]

I'll keep you updated on the spool. The guy who got the camera actually showed some interest in possibly respooling 120 film onto the spool. If he doesn't want it back, I'll PM you!

 

[edcculus]

He just got back to me. Says its Kodacolor. Any chances of developing in HC-110 and getting something contact printable?

 

[donkee]

I believe, but check first elsewhere, if you develop it like Tri-X you'll get something to work with. I have some rolls that came in cameras I bought that I plan on developing like that with D-76. All of it is newer Kodak stuff, 200 and 400 speed in little PnS cameras.

 

[wblynch]

If it is Kodacolor-X that is a C-22 film that can be developed as black and white

...or... in cold C-41 (I think developer at 65* F for 22 minutes?, plus cold bleach and fix). Full temp c-41 will melt the emulsion away. The colors won't be perfect but you should get colors. Search the web for people that have done this. Examples can also be found on Flickr.


If Kodacolor-II, it is regular C-41 and can be developed like any modern color film. (might give it an extra 15-30 seconds to compensate for age?)

 

[edcculus]

Film is on the way. Not 100% sure if its Kodacolor or the newer II C-41 version. I don't have color developing capabilities at the moment, so I'll probably just stick to B&W development just to see whats on the film for the time being. Thanks for all of the input!