They always have interacted - in the wrong circumstances. It is the frequency of interaction that appears to have increased, although at least part of that appearance is likely due to the incredible ability of the internet to spread bad news.
A lot of things have changed. There is essentially only one paper manufacturer left who makes the paper and prints the necessary information on it - it is quite complex, not least because it isn't the same thickness throughout. The inks being used now are different due to changes in the industry, and that means the paper has to be adapted to them. Any changes in FP4+ can also lead to new interactions, because it is the emulsion contacting the backing paper that results in the problem.
Most problematic though are the changes in the distribution channels, and the resulting changes in what happens to film before it gets to you. One thing to consider is that any Ilford film that makes it to the US goes by ship - I doubt that it is refrigerated.
Harman has posted in the past that it costs them more to buy the backing paper for a roll of 120 than it does to make the film itself, and that the minimum order requirements of the manufacturer are a considerable burden to them.
All helpful information, thanks.
I didn't know these problems always existed.
I've been shooting medium format for 12 years and only experienced the problem in the last couple of years. There was the one problem Tmax roll. And I've had the specs/mottling on quite a number of rolls of FP4. I'd have to go through all my negs to count, but I'd say at least 10 rolls, maybe more, in two years. And I'm not prolific. Can take me a couple of weeks to shoot one roll. I wasn't dealing with it at first because it wasn't showing as I was using the photos. I thought it might be a lab development problem. My friend who had the problem in her Pan F film has been shooting Pan F for decades and just started to have the problem with the specs two years ago. So I rather doubt that it just seems the problem is worse now because the internet exists so people can spread the word more easily.
I do understand your points about all the changes that have occurred over the years, such as ink changes, which make things more difficult for the manufacturers.
You say there is just one company that makes the paper backing. But it sounds like Kodak was able to change their backing to one that prevents the problem they were having. So solutions must be possible?
Interesting that you say the paper backing isn't the same thickness throughout. What do you mean exactly? Thickness changes from beginning to end of roll of film?
Have you seen any statements from Ilford about the problem having to do with the paper backing? As I mentioned, I communicated with someone in their tech department quite extensively, and she only brought up the environmental or expired film issues. She was very nice and indicated they were trying to figure out what was going on. Maybe she is only allowed to say certain things.
Good point about how the film is stored on ships coming from UK. Maybe that is one reason Kodak film less likely to have problems.
Incidentally, I was also communicating with the Ilford tech about a separate problem which turned out to be a lab problem (which my lab was blaming on Ilford). There was horrible residue on non-emulsion side of film (FP4) which could not be removed. It certainly looked like a lab problem to me, and after many emails and taking photos of the negs, sending to lab and Ilford, it was finally determined that the lab was putting a hardener in their fixer that was causing the residue. It was not happening to Kodak film they developed. I would send rolls of FP4 as well as rolls of Trix to lab, and the Trix would not have the residue, so it was some interaction between the FP4 and the hardener.
So a lot of aggravation surrounding my beloved FP4 : )
I'm glad to hear people here say they have not had problems with Kodak film recently. Thanks to everyone who has chimed in. I'm just going to go to Tmax 100 for my 100 ISO film for now and continue using Tmax 400 and Trix for faster film.
I hope Ilford will make necessary changes so the bad film/backing interaction isn't so likely to occur.
