What exposure for old film?

c.d.ewen · Jul 31, 2022

I've been asked to retake a family 12x20 photo I took 10-12 years ago. My problem is that the only 12x20 film I have available is a couple of sheets Ilford FP4 that have been sitting in a holder since a couple years before Covid. They've been in the holder, in a carrying case, so they haven't been exposed to extremes of heat or cold.

The scene will have indirect lighting - no direct sun; sky/clouds with be the only source, so no bright areas, no deep shadows.

My usual development is semi-stand HC-110, dilution H (1:63), or Diafine.

I'd appreciate hearing the collective wisdom of members.

Charley

Sirius Glass · Jul 31, 2022

Shoot one at box speed, develop it and then see from there. If there have been no temperature extremes the film should work well as designed at box speed.

Andrew O'Neill · Jul 31, 2022

Shoot it how you normally would.

gone · Aug 1, 2022

It's a family portrait, so I'd buy new film. Just because.

Sirius Glass · Aug 1, 2022

momus said:
It's a family portrait, so I'd buy new film. Just because.

Someone has to stimulate the economy to avoid a world wide recession. The weight of the world is on you shoulders.

c.d.ewen · Aug 1, 2022

Say, can you loan me.......

View Camera Store has FP4+ at $559 for a box of 25. Given the stimulating I've done to the economy lately, and the fact that I'm no longer working, new film is not a viable option.

Thanks to members for the confidence building comments. I'll shoot two shots at the same exposure, develop the first as usual, and decide if something different should be done to the second.

Charley

What exposure for old film?

c.d.ewen

Sirius Glass

Andrew O'Neill

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gone

Sirius Glass

c.d.ewen

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