Dear All,
I promised to come back to you on Latent Image Stability of PAN F + having had my discussions with our Tech Service.
Our Tech Service stated the following : Latent image stability can be an issue with all films, slow films typically exhibit this issue more than faster films ( or more obviously anyway ). If you look at traditionally produced emulsions they tend to be poorer than more modern CCG ( controlled crystal growth / core shell technology ) films such as DELTA Professional. Also film does deteriorate with age, thats why its date stamped, one of the examples of detrioration is poorer latent image stability.
Therefore, PAN F+ is a traditional emulsion and our slowest film, therefore its latent image performance, whilst perfectly normal and acceptable is the least resistant of all our emulsions. Our Tech service state that in normal use you should not experience latent image stability issues that would be 'noticeable'.
I asked them what they would recommend? They said : Buy film that is 'in' date*, once you have bought film store it properly, in a cool dark place, try not to have big temperature variations do not expose to temperatures above 25degreesC for long periods. Try to avoid keeping part exposed rolls 'in camera' or fully exposed rolls for longer than three months without processing them.
If you store films in a fridge or freeze them ensure you leave them at least 24 hours and preferably 48 hours before using them.
* In date : PAN F+ films leave the factory with a 3 year life for medium format film ( 120 ) and a 4 year life for miniature film ( 35mm ).
I hope that helps.
Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :