Modern developer for 35mm Panatomic-X?

[nosmok]

I can't speak to Neofin Blue, but I can say that PanX from 1960 - 1989 is awesome at box speed (32asa for newer, 20asa for the very old stuff) in Caffenol C for 8 minutes at 68f.

 

[DWThomas]

I've used HC110 1+63 with decent results on some 1988 Exp date 35mm.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Not unexpectedly no time is listed on the instruction sheet for Panatomic-X.
Any suggestions for a development time using 30ml + 670ml water?

Chris

 

[Alan Johnson]

I have some Neofin Blue in the ancient sealed glass ampoules and an instruction sheet with them.
It lists the time for Panatomic-X as about 10% longer than that for Ilford Pan-F, as they all were at that time, with fresh film.

 

[Leigh B]

Any suggestions for a modern off-the-shelf developer for my old film?

Hi Chris,

I would suggest Diafine, 5 minutes each in Part A and Part B. Shoot at box speed.

Diafine is unique in that it does not care about temperature (70-85 degF) nor about time.
The minimum for most films is 3 minutes for each part, and 5 minutes max.

The two parts have an almost infinite shelf life in brown bottles, kept away from light and heat.

Mix up a fresh batch, and keep small amounts separate to use as replenisher. Replenishment is by volume.
Add enough new A to restore its original volume, then add the same amount of new B to its bottle.

- Leigh

 

[Nokton48]

Is the Legacy Pro Microdol-X clone any good?

I've been using the same replenished gallon of Legacy Pro Mic-X for going on three years.
I'm happy with the results. I used the Kodak info on the internet to make the replenisher.
Basically you use less water (3/4 gallon) and add Sodium Carbonate. Works for me.

I use this stuff for all my B&W films


Willi Beutler is easy to mix and should be dynamite with Pan-X.
I still have 100' spooled into 36 exp cartridges in the freezer.

 

[Down Under]

Lucky you to get a hundred of Panatomic. I would (well, almost) eat my old sneakers for such a buy...

Precious as this film is, you could "sacrifice" one roll, 24 exposures (or the long ago days 20 exposures), and shoot similar images at EI 25, 20 and 16. ideally a mix of highlights and shadows. Process for the usual time plus one minute or 90 seconds, depending on subject lighting. Less for highlights, more for shadows.

You may find there will be virtually no fog. Like most slow films of that long vanished era, Panatomic preserves well.

I processed it in D76 for decades. When I shot FX, as I believe it was called then, in harsh Australian and Asian midday light, I found D76 1+1 was ideal to temper the hard shadows and bright highlights of the bush. As a second choice, I would go with (home brewed) Beutler, so second those posters who have recommended this.

Happily I still have some in bulk from early 1990s, resting in my freezer. Also a few rolls left from the '80s, and one precious roll I bought new in Asia in April 1975, complete with box and (I assume on this last part, as said box has never been opened) the original instructions. I am keeping the latter as a memento of my foolish young years, when I thought I was immortal and went everywhere and shot everything with a Nikkormat FTN and two lenses, and lived life and photography as and when it came my way.

Oh, and please post some results for us to slobber over. I will be leading the pack.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Two rolls have already been exposed at 32. I will try the Pan-F time plus 10% as mentioned.
I can adjust future rolls EI and/or development time if necessary based on my results with these.

Thanks for the replies and suggestions all.

Chris

 

[removed account4]

I can't speak to Neofin Blue, but I can say that PanX from 1960 - 1989 is awesome at box speed (32asa for newer, 20asa for the very old stuff) in Caffenol C for 8 minutes at 68f.

YES !!