Got a box of Ilford HP4...

[Woodsy]

Yes, that's right, HP4. Not FP4, or HP5... HP4

Rob Hooley gave this to me well over 18 months ago as he found it in the University darkroom. It's 5x4 sheet film, so I can still shoot it.

As this film was discontinued in 1989 (according to wiki), we can safely assume this film is of order 20 years past it's use by date, and no doubt has not been cold stored!

I need to develop a blank frame to see if the light sealing has failed on the box anywhere, but if not, it *SHOULD* be usable....right?

Given it's age and storage conditions over the years, what sort of correction should I aim to apply in the first instance of experimental shots? 2? 3? 4? stops? Less?! MORE?! Any thoughts/wisdom/advice would be much appreciated!

 

[Steve Smith]

I would try it with either twice as much exposure or twice as much development.

The fact that it's in sheet form means you can try it out one sheet at a time without wasting much.


Steve.

 

[robhooley167]

I'd give it 2 stops extra. Ilford films, being as bulletproof as they are will probably be fine after that sort of time.

Enjoy

 

[Asha]

One stop corection for each decade has worked reasonably well for me with other films.

 

[Woodsy]

Cracking! Thanks chaps, I'll give it 2 stops when I test it properly. Still need to develop a frame unexposed to check to leaks.

Hmm... Should probably get round to buying some fixer at some point then!

 

[pingu666]

take a pic of a test chart too? might help you "calibrate"