Legible Numbering for 120 and Shen Hao 6x12 with HP5

[fpjohn]

Hello:

I find I can not read the backing nos on 120 HP5+ with the Shen Hao back. Are there any requests for more legible nos to Ilford. Which current 120 films have legible no series?

yours
Frank

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Is this just a red window issue or a specifically Shen Hao issue?

If it's just a red window issue, I find Kodak, Foma, and Forte/ClassicPan/J&C Classic film to have easy to read numbers.

 

[Donald Qualls]

There have been requests forwarded to Ilford (in the "postcard paper" thread in Product Availability). The official line was that the numbers are faint to prevent "wrapper offset" in which the numbers print into the emulsion where they contact via chemical fogging or changes in sensitivity -- but we were told they'd look into printing them more strongly.

FWIW, I've found if I get a strong enough light on the red window, the numbers are easier to read, and with the center-strip window for 6x12, there shouldn't be a problem with light reflecting around the film edge to cause fogging. And the paper on all modern films except possibly Forte/Classic/Bergger and Efke is more than opaque enough to withstand direct sun exposure for limited periods.

 

[fpjohn]

hp5 issue

Is this just a red window issue or a specifically Shen Hao issue?

If it's just a red window issue, I find Kodak, Foma, and Forte/ClassicPan/J&C Classic film to have easy to read numbers.

Hello:

I think it is a HP5+/red window issue. Light blue lettering might be a solution.
Thanks for the film manufacturer specific info.

yours
Frank