How old is this Ilford FP4?

[mferrarini]

Found in freezer, 2 unopened boxes 4x5 Ilford HP4, no expiration date marked. Described as professional film, polyester base, with interleaving. Made by Ilford, a CIBA/GEIGY company in Basildon Essex. There is an emulsion number, 78CA116O7. Does anyone know how old this batch might be?

 

[mferrarini]

Sorry for the Typo, this film is FP4, Not HP4

 

[Vaughn]

If it is the plain FP4, then it is older than 1990 when FP4 Plus and Delta 400 were introduced by Ilford.

http://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/Ilford/Chronology.html

 

[cliveh]

It's been in a freezer, the age is of no concern in regards to its use.

 

[silveror0]

http://www.palomarkovic.net/mobile/BatchNumberDecoder/
Enter "78" in the box and see the results.

 

[mferrarini]

Thanks for all your help. The calculator indicates a mfg date of 3/2011, but also possibly 12/2002, 9/1994, or 6/1986. Since it is plain FP4, I'll have to go with 1986. Its only been in my freezer for about 5 years. Where it was before that, who knows? Hopefully not in somebody's attic in the Mojave desert. Will try some at half speed and see what happens. All suggestions welcome.

 

[silveror0]

Thanks for all your help. The calculator indicates a mfg date of 3/2011, but also possibly 12/2002, 9/1994, or 6/1986. Since it is plain FP4, I'll have to go with 1986. Its only been in my freezer for about 5 years. Where it was before that, who knows? Hopefully not in somebody's attic in the Mojave desert. Will try some at half speed and see what happens. All suggestions welcome.

You may get more info by contacting Ilford's via their Contact Us page. I've found them to be very helpful.
https://www.ilfordphoto.com/contact-us/

Give them the complete batch number.