Film question

[McFortner]

I have a few Kodak Brownies (different types), and an Anscoflex TLR. I want to try rerolling 35mm onto their backing paper since I have bulk 35mm B/W and some slightly expired color films and it's cheaper for me that way. Plus, it's easier to find somewhere that develops 35mm color (B/W I can do myself).

Anyway, what speed film would these older cameras work best with: 100, 200, or 400? what did they originally use so I can try to match up better with modern films? I hate to see these older cameras just sit there and not be used. "If it runs, drive it." is how I feel.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Michael

 

[MattKing]

I'd try something like Kodak Plus-X or Ilford FP4.

Depending on their age, the Brownies may have been designed for Verichrome or Verichrome Pan.

Matt

 

[JMC1969]

Yes, I just read a manual for a Kodak Hawkeye that suggested Verichrome, Plus-x and Super XX, so I would think 100 speed film. I have always assumed (there's that word) that a lot of those cameras were somewhat based on "Sunny 16" (roughly). Being that they do stop motion and you are suggested to take pictures in bright sunlight. f-16 @ 1/100th? Maybe?

 

[MattKing]

f/16 @ 1/100th seems an excellent suggestion to me .

Matt

 

[DWThomas]

Based on a try a year or two back using Delta 100 in my Brownie Target Six-20, I'd say even a 50 speed film would not be too slow in bright daylight; 100 should be plenty. Some have a little tab to pull that moves a smaller aperture into place, I think it's a stop or two less exposure for beach and snow scenes, at least mine has such a thingie. That might allow using 200 or 400 without getting bulletproof negative density.

DaveT

 

[bsdunek]

Before about 1956, Verichrome Pan was ASA 32. I believe it was 1956 Kodak re-rated all their B&W films to twice their previous speed, removing a 'safety factor'. So 50 speed should work great. As DWThomas says, if you have the alternate f-stop, use 100 and the small aperature.

 

[McFortner]

So when I use 100 ASA, is there anything special I need to do when developing if the camera was rated for 50, or should the 100 have enough range to come out OK?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm definitely no expert when it comes to home developing of film.

Michael

 

[DWThomas]

You could back off developing time a bit -- maybe 10% to 15%? But in general you'll probably be OK without worrying too much about it. I tend to treat box cameras as very inexact science.

DaveT