Panatomic-X loses latent image over time

Panatomic-X (exp 03/1986) still has full speed and low fog.

But latent image does degrade over time.

I developed a couple rolls and a fresh sensitometry exposure.

10 minutes in D-76 1:1 usually gives me .62 CI, so I thought I would develop a little less to achieve a more normal contrast.

I was disappointed the negatives look a little thin and flat. But I was pleased to see that I had pre-exposed a sensitometry strip on one of the rolls, taken last year.

Conclusion: I will resist the urge to give it less than 10 minutes in the future. And the latent image will degrade over time so process promptly or give more exposure and development if you think it may be a year before you develop it.

Interesting point. That said I usually develop my rolls of this film within a month, so no issues. Only in the days when I sent my B&W to a lab, would I let it sit for a year. Funny as Ilford Pan F+ has this same issue, and its a film that is closest to Panatomic X there is today.

Interesting... I'll bare that in mind the next time I'm shooting some. I only have it in 4x5, but am expecting a few 120 rolls to come into my possession soon.

It makes up for it in it's longevity, 50 years out of date it can still look great. Latency is rarely an issue for me, I can't wait to see what I shot so I develop right away.

BAC1967 said:

It makes up for it in it's longevity, 50 years out of date it can still look great. Latency is rarely an issue for me, I can't wait to see what I shot so I develop right away.

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Yup. The sheet film I have expired in 1963 (my birth year), and looks fresh.

Should this happen to anyone, all is not lost. There is always intensification of the weak image after development.

braxus said:

Interesting point. That said I usually develop my rolls of this film within a month, so no issues. Only in the days when I sent my B&W to a lab, would I let it sit for a year. Funny as Ilford Pan F+ has this same issue, and its a film that is closest to Panatomic X there is today.

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Pan F is legendary for losing latent image over time. I could try a similar test with it because I have a bulk roll of it but would take a year to get results…

I never noticed Panatomic-X having the issue before. To be fair, the fresh image had zero (maybe ten minutes) holding time.

xkaes said:

Should this happen to anyone, all is not lost. There is always intensification of the weak image after development.

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My “weak” negatives are still fine but I had pre-visualized intense contrast. I took some photos where my son is standing near a pile of asphalt and I wanted that black.

Interesting result @Bill Burk and thanks for the graph!