Identifying Film Makes from the Negatives.

JimDun

JimDun

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I don't know if this is possible, but I would really like to find out the make and type of film I used for some old negatives I'm scanning. One is obvious, but the others are less clear (to say the least). Has anyone got any ideas (google is no help)? [I've cracked the code for the Kodak Film by the way ;) ). The first 2 just have the number 2728 on them. I remember using Kodak, Fuji and a lot of Boots films, but obvs can't remember which ones I used for these shots.

Films 1 and 3.jpg
Film 2.jpg
Film 4.jpg
 
Well we were discussing identifying film from the barcode on the cassette 6 years ago e.g. https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/film-bar-code-simulator.600934/ but I can't find if we did the number on the actual film as everytime I type in search "film frame number" it comes up with an answer I don't want. But IIRC I have (or had) a list somewhere on identfying from number on the developed film but again can't remember if it was the barcode on the cassette or number on the actual film or where I saved it....welll maybe all interesting but doesn;t give you an answer and maybe someone knows.
 
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I think it's complicated by the fact that there used to be more film brands than there are now, including those processors who would give a free or cheap replacement roll of film e.g. Gratispool who had a huge lab in Glasgow. The origin of some of those films would have been wherever was cheapest at the time, and often producers would take steps to see that the films were not identifiable as their pricier own branded films.
 
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Thanks guys, I had a feeling it was going to be a long shot. I think Boots used to do the free film thing, which might explain why I used so many of them.

There's a noticeable difference in the quality of the photos, with the Kodak being the best (good contrast & vivid colours), the 5088 100 ASA being OK (good contrast but more muted colours - more realistic imo) and the 2728 being a bit flat and muted. Of course the processing would probably have affected that as well.
 
Also, I very much doubt that Boots made their own films; I'm sure it will have been the best deal they could get from an existing manufacturer branded as their own make.
 
Peter B said:
I think it's complicated by the fact that there used to be more film brands than there are now, including those processors who would give a free or cheap replacement roll of film e.g. Gratispool who had a huge lab in Glasgow. The origin of some of those films would have been wherever was cheapest at the time, and often producers would take steps to see that the films were not identifiable as their pricier own branded films.
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For me knowing who made the film was interesting as I used to pick up all sorts from the bootie at 10p ea...but they were in boxes or cassettes...but true, what you said, as I was looking at an old neg and there was nothing on it.
 
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