Odd mottling on Pan F 120 film

Unless someone has a better idea, I am assuming this is due to the film being expired (2005). I purchased this film a couple years ago, perhaps 10 rolls off ebay. Film has been kept in my fridge since then but this roll was shot about a year ago and has been sitting on the shelf (climate controlled) waiting for me to get off my butt and process it. I have shot a few rolls in the past couple years and have not had this occur. So, I don't know if it is just age, was the film exposed to heat before I purchased it, does Pan F not like Rodinal 1:50?
Processing was at 68°F: Water 2m pre-soak, Rodinal 1:50 for 11 minutes, wash, fix.

I am not complaining as I kind of like the affect...adds character But since I have 5-6 more rolls in the fridge I am guessing they will have the same look...I guess. Thoughts?

full frame


close crop

Can you see this pattern in a darkroom print or with a magnifying loupe?

I can pretty much see it when I hold the negative up to a light, and can really see it when viewed through a magnifier. I have not made a darkroom print, just a scan. I processed a roll of FP4-Plus at the same time, in the same tank - it does not have this defect.

This is a known problem with Pan F, I had it myself 6 or so years back. If you do a search you'll probably find my thread about it and others from other photographers. I sent samples to Harman, back in the Simon Galley days, and they replied that they had no idea what caused it. It's definitely a film problem, nothing to do with your process.

Simon said "PAN F + Latent image performance, PAN F + is a conventional emulsion and latent image stability is a factor with ALL films : See our full product information sheet on PAN F + on our website, ALL films ( and papers come to that ) should be processed promptly after exposure and PAN F + no longer than 3 months from the date it was exposed." (My bold)

Sitting for 12 months is not good, despite Simon "spreading the blame " there are numerous examples of PanF+ not having wonderful latent image stability in direct comparison with other emulsions.
Having said that it doesn't manifest itself like that usually but if you have more run a test roll and process "promptly".
Source:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Thanks for the input. The next roll I shoot (have a roll in my Yashica D right now) will be processed promptly.

I had similar if not worse results with a roll of Pan F left in a TLR for over a year. Usually I process the same day the roll is finished so it taught me a lesson.

Ian