Panchromatic Film Identification

gsxr711 · Mar 10, 2011

Hello all, I'm hoping someone can help me identify what type of film this is. I found it in my fathers old camera case. I think it must be at least 40 years old. I would also appreciate any advise on having it developed. The roll measures two and nine sixteenths inches long. It says Panchromatic Film...Made in Germany. Exposed. I've attached a link with pics. Thanks, Steve

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=63242&id=100000178115464&l=ff311338ec

formerpro · Mar 10, 2011

I'm wanting to say AGFA, but it could be ORWO 120 film. I would develop it the same as Kodak Pan-X or Tri-X, (I'm leaning towards Pan-X). Its' been a long time since I've seen something like that and age has a wonderful way of playing tricks on the mind.

gsxr711 · Mar 10, 2011

Thanks for the info. Hopefully more people will reply, so we can get a definite. As far as developing, I would want to send it to someone with experience. There could be treasures on this roll. Thanks, again......

Alpha · Mar 10, 2011

It's probably 620 but it's hard to tell. Could be 120. I would develop for EI 100 in something easy like HC-110, which doesn't over-develop things easily. You could also clip-test if you want a more accurate read on the speed. Clip-test is where you cut off a bit of the leading edge of the film and develop it "normally" to see if the rest of the roll needs more or less development. Any competent lab should be able to do this. Used to be a big thing for wedding photographers back in the day to make sure their rolls were developed exactly right.

compur · Mar 10, 2011

More like 116 size with that width

Alpha · Mar 10, 2011

compur said:
More like 116 size with that width

Fair enough. What do you think re: clip test?

formerpro · Mar 10, 2011

Alpha said:
Fair enough. What do you think re: clip test?

Sounds like an excellent idea.

Kirep · Mar 11, 2011

Alpha!

I've rummaged old drawers and cupboards this winter and found a lot of old and previously forgotten films, some exposed well over 40 years ago.

Save for a couple of the "new" I have developed all of them in Cafenol, after a recipe I found on a german blog.

This has worked extremely well for me, I've recovered images that seemed lost for ever....

Tell me if you need recipes and wether you want them in litres and gram or oz. and teaspoons!

Paul Ron · Mar 11, 2011

Clip test a few inches to see how it behaves first.

Whatever film it is I'd say it's safe to develope it for 6 min @ 68°F in any developer, this was almost the standard time for most B&W pan films 40 years ago.

.

Alpha · Mar 11, 2011

Just one caveat: Clip testing assumes the exposure was relatively close to normal and is pretty consistent throughout the roll. Your mileage may vary...