Identifying found film in bulk canister.

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Oct 5, 2018

So a couple weeks ago, I got an old Argus camera with a roll of film inside. The problem is the film is loaded in a bulk canister, and I don't really know how to identify what kind of film it is- though I'm sure it's black and white just because a little piece of leader was sticking out after I rewound it.
Anyone have any suggestions as to how I should figure out what it is? The only catch is if I'm going to develop it myself, I'm going to have to wait until at least January to do so.

E. von Hoegh · Oct 5, 2018

Cut off a piece, give it say 7 minutes in any standard developer - there should be id marks in the (unexposed) margins.

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Oct 5, 2018

E. von Hoegh said:
Cut off a piece, give it say 7 minutes in any standard developer - there should be id marks in the (unexposed) margins.

Just how long should my piece be?

E. von Hoegh · Oct 5, 2018

TheGreatGasMaskMan said:
Just how long should my piece be?

You will need unexposed film.

mgb74 · Oct 7, 2018

TheGreatGasMaskMan said:
Just how long should my piece be?

6-8 inches should be enough to make sure you have visible markings. I've found 9 minutes in D-76 (1:1) or Sprint will do it. But I have a partial roll that came in a bulk loader that had no markings - even with multiple rolls processed.

pentaxuser · Oct 7, 2018

The problem would seem to be that there is no way round not exposing 6-9 inches of film in total darkness and then processing it but unless he can do this and get a lab to process it without exposing it to light minus a cassette then he has a wait until January when he can process it himself unless he can find a good neighbour here who will process it for him

pentaxuser

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Apr 9, 2019

It's been a while. I just developed it. Of all the films it could have been it was AGFA APX 400, and came back underdeveloped. nothing spectacular, and only three or four frames. That's just the nature of found films. Nothing is ever predictable.

mtjade2007 · Nov 19, 2021

Glad to find this thread. I too have a 100ft B&W film that I put in a bulk loader many years ago then cold stored it in the freezer. I had cut probably 2 36 exp rolls of it and gave them away back then. Now I just don't remember what B&W film it is any more. So I have a couple of questions. Can I identify if it is a B&W film by looking at the color of the emulsion side of the film? If yes, Can I develop a strip of it by C-41 chemicals to reveal the factory markings on the edge of the film? I don't have any B&W chems on hand but have seasoned ready to be disposed C-41 chems in my processor now. I thought it could be a good use of it before I drain it off.

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Nov 19, 2021

Well... you can buy d76 and bw fixer easily and cheaply.
I'd say pull a small amount in the dark, give it a general dev time and see what the edge markings say.

mtjade2007 · Nov 19, 2021

Found that I only gave away one roll and there is another in the freezer. It has my hand written sticker on the canister that says Ilford Pan F ASA 50. Problem solved. Thanks for the suggestion anyway. I believe this film can be cold stored long beyond expiration, correct?

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Nov 19, 2021

Ilford film holds up really well as it is- but refrigerating is even better (though freezing or a salt mine are the best options). How old is the film? A thirty some year old non frozen pan f would probably only need to be exposed at 25

mtjade2007 · Nov 19, 2021

It's probably around 15 years old now. Thanks for the great tip. I sure will try to enjoy a great film soon as it is.

Identifying found film in bulk canister.

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency