HP5 use by date

George Collier

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Feb 23, 2005
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I have a roll of 35mm HP5 36 exp that I took out of the box some time ago. I don't know how old it is.
The number just below the bar code, above the exit slit is 017534. I just used a roll that I bought from B&H (can't find the cassett now) that was one number away from this, up or down I don't remember.
Does anyone have a roll with this number and have any idea how new or old it is?
I emailed this question to Ilford on their site at least a week ago, if not two, no answer yet and I guess I don't expect one.
 

Ian Grant

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I wouldn't worry, it's fine well past the nominal Expiry Date, all the film companies shortened the expiry dates from around 5 years to around 2 or 3 because of ISO 9002 guidelines. I've some with a 2008 date and it's fine.

Ian
 

cmacd123

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the number on that bar code identifies the type of film, it does not change for decades.
the last digit 3 or 4 usually is the length of the roll.
 

M-88

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As cmacd123 pointed out, numbers won't tell anything, regarding the date. You might be able to pinpoint the age of the film to specific decade based on thr canister design, but it's also pretty vague.

HOWEVER, since HP5 is such a flexible film, youvmight just as well shoot it at box speed and develop normally. Or even better - stand develop, as people do when they are unsure about expiration date.
 

Harman Tech Service

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Sep 14, 2015
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Hi George,
Our records show that a reply was sent to your supplied email on 14th Feb. so please check that email account. The gist of the response is that if the date on the box has been discarded we can't tell the age until the film has been processed. We can then trace the batch and find the age from the four digit code printed as part of the signing at the edge of the film.

David
 

Andrew O'Neill

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I'm using 4x5 HP5 from my stock in the freezer that I purchased in 2005 with expiry date 2007. No worries other than a wee bit more base fog.
 
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