Identifying emulsion side on FP4 5X7

[Matt5791]

Just bought a box of FP4 in 5X7 and wondering - how do I detect the emulsion side? There doesn't seem to be anything on the box about this.

With the Adox 5X7 I have been using, there is one notch which is supposed to be facing you and in the top right or bottom left.

Many thanks,

Matt

 

[Bruce Osgood]

From a left handers point of view, when the film is held in the left hand and horizontal in length, the notches are on the upper left short side of the film. This places the emullsion side facing you.

Notch placement is an industry standard and not brand specific.

 

[bdial]

The Ilford film will have a set of notches, the spacing and number of notches identifies the type of film, this is true of Kodak films as well. The notch code should be illustrated on the box label.

 

[removed account4]

i've had boxes of tri x 5x7 film missing notch codes.
it can happen sometimes ...
sacrifice a sheet of film if yours had no notch codes
and examine the sheet the non-shiny side is the emulsion side
( like with 35mm film ). your film should all be stacked the same way
in the box
so once you know what side to expose just remember when you load your film.

good luck!

john

 

[timbo10ca]

Why not just return the box? The film should have notches like any other sheet film..... If you load film infrequently and they're missing you may forget how it's sitting in the box (emulsion up or down).

Tim

 

[frotog]

It's easy to determine the emulsion side on 5x7 film. Hold the stack of film between your thumb and forefinger on either side along the 7 inch edge. If the film sags along the 7 inch side then the emulsion is facing downwards. If, on the other hand, the film sags along the 5 inch side then the emulsion is facing upwards. No need to touch the surface or sacrifice a sheet.

 

[Anscojohn]

In ye oldene dayz, we would gently touch the corner between our lips, then open the lips. The emulsion side sticks slightly to one lip.

John, Mount Vernon, Virginia USA

 

[georgegrosu]

I know two methods: - for developed film (light) and for non developed film (darkroom).
The method for darkroom is less hygienic: touch your wet tongue to the film and the side that adheres is the emulsion.
To know what side is the emulsion/base (film developed): come near with a side (1..2 cm) of film and breathe on it. The humidity of respiration condenses on the side of the base and goes fast. On the side of emulsion no chance.
George

 

[bdial]

Here's a variation on the methods presented so far,
Get your thumb and forefinger ever so slightly damp. Then press press a corner of the film or paper between them and release. Whichever side releases first is the back side.

 

[BradS]

I don't think the OP is saying there are no notches, I think he's saying there is no mention of notches on the box. -- at least, that's the way I read the original post....


Matt,

All sheet film works the same. When the emulsion side is facing you and the sheet is oriented with the long side vertical, the notches are in the upper right hand corner.

 

[Matt5791]

Thanks for all the help. - Sure I'll be able to identify it now!

Brad - that sounds the same as the Adox I have been using, thanks.

I'd do the "lip" or "breathing" test, but unfortunatly I'm going to be using a changing bag - I do this for colour paper in the darkroom, to make sure I have the right side.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Martin Aislabie]

The Ilford web site has the info for film notches for each of the particular films
Its the best place to look for most of this sort of thing
For FP4 follow this link :-
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2006216115141521.pdf
Best of luck
Martin