What can go wrong with film from 1972

The Film: Fuji Neopan SSS (200 ASA)
The Camera: Mamiya 645 Junior

It got to the 4th shot and the tape holding the paper and film together separated. The tape is completely dry with no real adhesive power left. After the 4th shot, it was impossible to wind further in order to raise the mirror. From the 1st shot, the camera was squealing abnormally. A quick check shows that nothing seems to have been damaged this time, but it could have been. Story in pictures below.



Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting much from film this old, more of an experiment. I was hoping to get a full roll of shots though. I exposed at ASA 12 and stored the film in a light-tight container after unjamming the camera in a changing bag. I'm unsure at what point the film separated from the paper so there might be 3-4 shots, or none.

An interesting experience. One moe think to keep in mind when using old film. Thanks for sharing!

BrianShaw said:

An interesting experience. One moe think to keep in mind when using old film. Thanks for sharing!

Click to expand...

Thanks for reading. The oldest 120 film I had used prior to this was from the 90s - this was the first time I saw a film's tape fail. I wonder if certain camera's transport mechanism would be easier on a film's tape.

The only way to find out is to shoot it. I have used old film in the past without a problem but nothing that old.