Development
| Kodak Pan Verichrome (125 ISO) | Rodinal |
| Format: | 620 (6×9) |
| Exposed at: | 50 ISO |
| Developer dilution: | 1+100 |
| Development time: | 1 hour |
| Temperature: | Room temperature |
| Agitation: | Agitation during the first minute, then 30 seconds at the 35-minute mark. |
Film expired in July 1974
How Do You Use Film That Expired Half a Century Ago?
First of all, you should not rely on the sensitivity printed on the box. As the years go by, film gradually loses sensitivity.
So this film, originally rated at 125 ISO fifty years ago, is now closer to 12-25 ISO today.
Every case is different, so don’t hesitate to use bracketing to determine the film’s actual sensitivity.
Development
As for development, I chose stand development in Rodinal. This development method has the advantage of providing the same development time for all films (1 hour).
This makes it ideal for developing old film where uncertainty caused by age makes it impossible to know the exact development time.
Obviously Not a Perfect Rendering
The spool was rusty, which caused scratches on parts of the film.
I was too optimistic regarding the film’s sensitivity. I overexposed by about two stops. As a result, the negatives were thin, but still recoverable.
Soft and Beautiful Shades of Gray
With a 1+100 dilution, the image rendering is naturally low in contrast, producing a soft look without appearing flat.
The images remain pleasant to look at, and a certain intensity emerges despite the technical flaws.
The grain is quite noticeable for 6×9 medium format, but it does not harm the image.
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