How to read new Ilford date codes?

[Todd Barlow]

1) which is the date code?
2) how to read?
3) when did they start with the new format?

On attached photo of some paper:
PF536?
D19?

 

[MattKing]

I don't know that they use a date code.
But if you send a Private Conversation to @Harman Tech Service, they may be willing to give you some idea of the production date from the batch number.

 

[AgX]

Just a bit of guessing:

D= 2013 + 4 years

19 = 19th week

 

[250swb]

Looks obvious, manufactured in June of 1802 and expires in August of 1949

 

[foc]

According to Ilfordphoto.com website, in the paper fags section, the following:

We do not put expiry dates on paper as there are so many factors which influence how it will perform over time, for example, papers stored in cool dry conditions will fare better than those stored under more adverse conditions. Refrigerated papers will last even longer.

 

[AgX]

But this does not exclude that they put a lot-number on, or a kind of production date.

 

[Harman Tech Service]

Hi Todd et al,
Since we went over to our new ERP system in October last year all the the batch numbers are allocated by the system as a sequential number. So, PF536 is the 536th job raised on Paper Finishing. Same for FF = Film Finishing.
We will give you a manufacturing date if you contact us on technical@harmantechnology.com
Regards,
David

 

[pentaxuser]

Hi Todd et al,
Since we went over to our new ERP system in October last year all the the batch numbers are allocated by the system as a sequential number. So, PF536 is the 536th job raised on Paper Finishing. Same for FF = Film Finishing.
We will give you a manufacturing date if you contact us on technical@harmantechnology.com
Regards,
David

Over the years there has been several threads on working out the date of manufacture from the code on the box

Can I take it that since Oct 2021 such a code on a box no longer exists and so from Oct 2021 there is no way to work out a manufacturing date from any code on the box and it now requires contacting the above e-mail address?

Thanks

pentaxuser

 

[Harman Tech Service]

Hi Mike,
Yes, that's correct but obviously we would request that you only contact us about batches you have real concern about eg. private sale of unknown vintage for instance. Anyway, no need to do this for the next year or two with these new numbers!
Regards,
David

 

[Sirius Glass]

According to Ilfordphoto.com website, in the paper fags section, the following:

We do not put expiry dates on paper as there are so many factors which influence how it will perform over time, for example, papers stored in cool dry conditions will fare better than those stored under more adverse conditions. Refrigerated papers will last even longer.

In spite of such statements from a film manufacturer, there are those that insist that refrigerating or freezing film is bad for the film. Some people will believe anything.

 

[Todd Barlow]

Hi Mike (Harmen Tech Service):
PF = Paper Finishing
FF = Film Finishing
How are the chemicals handled?

Thanks

 

[Harman Tech Service]

Hi Todd,
The chemicals are still using the old system for now.
Regards,
David

 

[mshchem]

Ilford chemistry stores as well as any. I use Bromophen almost exclusively. Keeps well in original packaging and as a stock solution in full bottles.

I buy moderate sized quantities of Ilford paper. Never have had issues with keeping. I must buy chemistry and papers from online retailers.

We have lost our 2 good retailers here. I visited a shop a couple hours away, all the paper and chemistry was a few years old, prior versions of both fiber and rc papers. These folks still had "new" packages of Kodak Microdol-X.

I tend to give my older packages of papers to young folks that are trying to get started or are cash short.

I try to keep paper purchases regular a couple times a year. I use Ilford and Foma fiber base, Ilford RC exclusively.

It makes ZERO sense to buy more in huge quantities and freeze or refrigerate stuff.

Best Regards, Mike

 

[AgX]

It makes ZERO sense to buy more in huge quantities and freeze or refrigerate stuff.

It makes sense if one fears that production may stop, or availability be hampered.

Just think of the Adox own papers. Still not in production again.

 

[Doug Kaye]

Hi Mike (Harmen Tech Service):
PF = Paper Finishing
FF = Film Finishing
How are the chemicals handled?

Thanks

Hi, Todd. Sorry to reply here, out of context, but Photrio won't let me reply to your ad for free 4x5 film. I'm interested if still available, but you'll have to message me since I can't contact you. ...doug

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Hi, Todd. Sorry to reply here, out of context, but Photrio won't let me reply to your ad for free 4x5 film. I'm interested if still available, but you'll have to message me since I can't contact you. ...doug

I believe that was just for the boxes... and they are spoken for.