Kodak TXP-523 pack film usage questions

I've come across some TXP-523 in film packs, and I have a few questions as to it's use.
I just happen to have a few pack film holders.

the guy i got it from said it had been stored unrefridgerated, but in a coolish basement. The expiry date is 5/1994.

My questions are, was the original ISO really 523? That seems a bit random. I guess i'll try shooting it at 125 or so to adjust for speed loss and stand dev in rodinal.

How does one take an exposed sheet out of the pack for development without affecting the rest of the pack? Would this have a significant effect on film flatness, or is that something irrelevant with pack films? Do I have to shoot the whole pack before I crack it open?

Thanks

TXP is Tri-X pan, ISO320. 523 is the number assigned to the pack film, it has nothing to do with film speed. My Kodak Professional Photoguide, 1981 edition, shows Tri-X Pan Professional available in 120, 220, and 523 packs, daylight and tungsten film speed ISO 320.

From experience with Tri-X in 135 format and 10 years older expose at EI 100 or EI 50. Process at 65°F to reduce base fog. I used HC110.
I have never used pack film but it was discussed years ago on Graflex.org helpboard. You put the pack in the holder, close and pull the initial tab with the darkslide in the holder. After each exposure you pull the tab for that number which should be at the film plane edge of the holder. When you pull that tab the film is rotated to the rear of the holder and the next sheet is pulled into place. After one to several sheets of film have been exposed and advanced to the rear of the holder take the holder into a darkroom and with the lights off remove the number of exposed sheets from the back of the pack then reclose the holder with the rest of the film in it. Put the sheets removed in a developing tank or light tight holder for transport to the processing site. Continue exposing the rest of the film pack as desired.

Film packs in 4x5 are 523. The number for 2-1/4x3-1/4 is 520 and 518 is 3-1/4x4-1/4.

EASmithV said:

How does one take an exposed sheet out of the pack for development without affecting the rest of the pack? Would this have a significant effect on film flatness, or is that something irrelevant with pack films? Do I have to shoot the whole pack before I crack it open?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Look at both sides of the pack before you place it in the adapter. On the backside you will see a piece of metal at the end from which the paper tabs extend you will see a metal piece which extends just over an inch. In the dark remove the pack from the film pack adapter. Lay the pack face down. That is with the all metal, back facing up. Slide this short piece of metal away from the pack. Raise the back up far enough, about an inch or so, to pull the tab of the exposed sheet(s) to which the exposed sheet is attached and the sheet of film out of the pack. Be careful to not pull any unexposed sheets out. Push the back down firmly and replace the metal tab which was removed earlier. Put the pack back in the film pack adapter. The exposed sheet(s) may now be processed.
It is somewhat important to note that this is roll film which is thinner and much more flexible than sheet film. It is also slightly larger than 4x5 sheet film.

I hope this is clear.

A cautionary note, last year I acquired some Tri-X 220 roll film dated from 1985 and it was very brittle. Storage conditions were unknown, but I don't think it matters.