Old Film Developing

[Frank R]

I just bought a bunch of old (1983) 120 and 620 Tri-X and Verichrome pan film today at an antique store.

I thought I would test a few rolls to see if it is still good. I know nothing about developing old film and I know it is a gamble. I have heard that the chemicals and times can be adjusted to pull out the best in them.

Since I have not done developing since my high school days I will just have this done at the local lab.

What should I tell the lab guy in terms of developing instructions?

Should I adjust the exposure times during my picture taking as well?

 

[juan]

My experience is that old film develops best in the developer it was made to be developed in - so with 1983 films, I'd suggest D-76, HC-110, ID-11, or something like that - something that would have been around in 1983. I would not recommend something like TMax developers. And that might be the rub - the only labs that still do B&W near me only use TMax developer. Talk to your lab guy and see if he has any suggestions, too.

The films will probably be fogged a bit, so I think I'd give an extra stop of exposure.
juan

 

[John Shriver]

For the Verichrome Pan, use Kodak's most recent times, but probably expose it at about EI 80. HC-110 is a great choice. Verichrome Pan has awesome shelf life. It's also wonderful film.

I'd expect the Tri-X to be quite fogged, not worth the developer.

Hoard the 620 spools, of course.