Since every other time we have questions regarding expired films I just wanted to share my
experience exposing and processing a well expired 1964 Ilford HP3 400ISO.
I know is difficult to have a standard method since the way the film was stored, and how long
the film is expired will change the final result but at least it's some information.
After some research and also advices from my fellows filmwasters this is what I did:
First, I used a proper camera in order to have a better control over the exposure, for this film
in particular I use my Leica IIIF. For some shots I followed the light meter reading and for
others I compensate one or two stops (it would've been great if I had known which ones I did
compensate by taking notes... but I'm too lazy for that).
I processed the film with Rodinal (apparently reduces fog). I used 1+25 ratio and follwed the
recomendation time for the Ilford HP5 increasing the time from 6 minutes to 9 minutes and a half,
(don't ask me why I didn't do the full 10 minutes...). I agitated by swirling the spiral gently but
constantly for the first minute and then 4 times every 30 secs very slowly. Normal stop bath
and fixing process.
I noticed that no colour came out from the developer like the modern films, I even left a
piece of the film after processed immersed in water and no colour came out at all.
Some of the pictures came out very dark considering it was a sunny when I took photos. The film have some marks but I really like the effect. Apart from the normal photoshop adjustments and sepia filter I won't retouch any of the marks, to me they are like scars and it's part of the whole process.
I'd love to hear critics and suggestions... Thanks !
1st set - London
2nd set - Sarlat -France
