That familiar yellow box was still around in 1956/1957.
That familiar yellow box was still around in 1956/1957. Not sure how long film was "fresh" for in those days but the develop before 10/57 is clearly written on the side. This shot is showing you it cost 85 Cents for 20 exposures of PX 135 film. And believe it or not, this box is still sealed and never opened.
This would have been bought in Philadelphia, PA.
ReplyDeleteOshi Shikigami If anyone would know, how long did the film have from being on the shelf to out of date. I am thinking it was about a year when I was a kid. What do you know or remember.
Margaret Siemers, that depended on the manufacturer and the type of film. Generally speaking, color film was good for 1.5 to 2.5 years. Black and white was from 2.5 to 4 years or so. In practicality, film, if stored optimally can go much longer.
ReplyDeleteOf course what is acceptable to one is not to another. But there have just this year been a batch of B&W film from World War II found unprocessed, and when it was processed, the film for the vast majority was fine. made fully good prints.
All films are susceptible to radiation and heat, until they are processed. refrigerating or even freezing it will almost put the expression of film on "hold'. Unfortunately radiation, specifically cosmic radiation foggy film. And the more sensitive the film is (higher ISO or ASA) the more radiation fogged the film. Also X-ray machines at airports are big offenders.
It would be guess, that the pool above would be capable of taking fine photos, and maybe with a little adjustment in processing, be indistinguishable from contemporary film.
Oshi Shikigami Thank you Oshi, what you are telling me is invaluable as far as my research on this goes.
ReplyDeleteI do know that I have found film in cameras that I thought were empty and had them processed only to find that the photo's were in wonderful shape after a time of 10 to 30 years.
This film is listed as Panchromatic (Black and White) the box lists it as Fast Fine Grain 35mm film.
Thanks for this, Margaret Siemers and Oshi Shikigami I have tried to have old (15 years) color film developed with very poor results. Kodachrome slides seem the most enduring things ever! I have had over 2000 scanned, and many from the 40s that are as bold and clear as ever. Both of you have far more knowledge than I about film but I have truly enjoyed reading what you've posted today. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteDid either of see Finding Vivian Maier? If not, I truly hope you do sometime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o2nBhQ67Zc
Never saw the film, but had read all about her and seen her work. This roll of film is sort of like her story. I uncovered an entire small footlocker of slides, negatives movies and this one unused, unopened roll of film.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what is on the movies, however two reals are marked "the Hindenburg" and Fred confirms that his father was there on the ground filming when it happened.
Now I just need to find a projector that can show it. We just never know what treasures are within our very reach till we look.
PS.
ReplyDeleteIt is Oshi that has the knowledge Ann Kennedy I am the merest of novices.
Margaret Siemers Wow! What an amazing treasure. You'll find an 8 or 16 mm projector out there somewhere. We had 78 rpm records (of WW2 conversations) put on CDs. They used our old turntable and so the sound is the same. It's all such hard but rewarding work.
ReplyDeleteOld color film processing is problematical. Not only does the film degrade, but the processing chemicals are no longer made. And in the case of Kodachrome, it requires an extraordinarily complex and expensive machine to process it.
ReplyDeleteThere is a you tube on the "Last roll of Kodachrome" you might enjoy, By National Geographic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUL6MBVKVLI
If you have an old roll of film, color or black and white, there is a lab that I have investigated, and seems the best option to find out what can realistically be done. Contact these people:
http://www.filmrescue.com
I would suggest looking in thrift and 2nd hand shops for a movie projector. Chances are you can find one for under ten dollars. If you are unsure of the film size (gage) take a picture of it and send me.
There were quite a lot of copies of the Hindenburg burning available in home movies sold in the 40's to 60's Although if there is actually another view of this besides the well published one it could be worth a fortune.
Finding Vivian Maier, is a controversial film about a very controversial person. I have see a fair number of her pictures. She was defiantly a talented photographer, a "street photographer" best suits her style. It is her personal life, and the way she cared for children, that is the real controversy. Also at question is how much of it is true in the movie.
I am pleased I have assisted in some fashion. If you have any more questions do ask?
:-)
Oshi Shikigami And Ann Kennedy What can I say but thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you both have shared here today.
ReplyDeleteFor one thing, I simply love it when the community clicks into gear and we find something that two or more of us can talk about and be informed with. When it concerns something like Ann's simple Kodak Moment sparking this kind of participation and learning I am simply blown away.
Oshi, the Nat Geo (National Geographic) film on the last roll of Kodachrome film was wonderful. The vibrant colors, the faces, wonderful. It did make me wonder if all the over processed by Photoshop digital photos we see on g+ aren't actually people trying to recapture that deeply rich color, weather they know they are doing it or not. Just me pondering a question I had seen elsewhere.
Ok, I am rambling. This has been such a wonderful experience for me. Oshi, May I quote from some of the information you have given us here? It truly will go nicely when I do put this film into my shop. But for today, it was just a wonderful conversation starter.
Ann Kennedy The recordings must have been fantastic listen to. I am so glad you were able to preserve them further.
Margaret Siemers Sharing this great conversation and info to the Vintage & Antiques community. I'm sure there are many who have questioned this.
ReplyDeleteThank You Pam WhimsicalVintage.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Siemers, sorry, I mist the quote question. Yes it is fine absolutely. Anything I post here, may be quoted. If it is something significant, it would be lovely to know of it and have attribution. But I post on these groups to do what I can to assist, and inform. So feel free. :-)
ReplyDeleteOshi Shikigami Many thanks.
ReplyDelete