Shooting 60-Year-Old Film

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Jason uncovers an ancient cursed artifact in the form of sheet film.
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Cameras: Gibellini ACN810
Instayams: @50_shades_of_jason
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[@bdwilcox]

Having grown up in the film era, if I remember correctly, Panatomic-X was primarily a scientific and microscopy film due to its slow speed, extremely fine grain and punishingly harsh contrast. Further, and again, if I remember correctly, the film had absolutely incredible latitude so the standard was to massively overexpose the film to create as much shadow detail as possible then underdevelop it to save the highlights. As far as the weird results you got, that looks to me like the film got too warm for too long and the emulsion started to pull away from the substrate causing a wrinkled or buckled look. It was good, though, to see an old friend; haven't heard the Panatomic-X name in 30 years or more.

[@grainydaysss]

Thank you for the information, it's cool to know the history on this stock! I'd have to agree with the incredible latitude claim.

[@bdwilcox]

@@grainydaysss This stuff is so old I can guarantee you the internet will be a wasteland if you try to find information on it. Instead, I would highly encourage you to seek out old photography books, especially ones published by Kodak and especially those on microscopy and scientific photography (Kodak had a whole series on that for the STEM folks). These books will be tough to find, extremely old, musty, have stained covers and cracking them without a mask on may render some kind of fungal lung infection, but it'll be worth it. I would start with WorldCat(dot)org to search across libraries; your library can often borrow from another library and get a book in for you from across the country in a few weeks. I just went there and put in 'Kodak microscopy' and it came up with 'Photomicrography; an introduction to photography with the microscope, with a section on motion photomicrography' located at 212 libraries across the country. Florida State University and Benson Ford Research Center has the book: "Black and white transparencies with Kodak Panatomic-X film (FX 135)" There is also a copy of 'Outdoor Kodaguide for Kodak films : Verichrome, Plus-X, Panatomic-X, Super-XX, minature, roll, and pack.' in Ottawa that would be a bit harder to acquire from a U.S. library but your librarian might know other places to look for that publication that are more accessible. And there's always e-bay, Amazon and AbeBooks where such esoteric gems pop up now and then. Happy hunting!

[@trishlingsolo]

@@bdwilcox Thanks for sharing.

[@charleyfolkes]

@bdwilcox Actually you might be thinking of ‘Tech Pan’ which was the scientific and reproduction film. Panatomic X was a slow, ASA 32 film and a very fine grained pictorial film which rendered a wide range of smooth grey due to its curve. Tech Pan was more like litho, super contrast and almost zero grain. Tech Pan was also used pictorially but in a special developer called Technidol and only then did it reproduce a grey scale.

[@Kitsaplorax]

Yes, it was the microscope film of choice for science. My father shot his entire geology microscopy thesis with this film stock. Microdol was the developer of choice. High purity monochromatic light was used with Zeiss lenses. He shot a few images of people with this, but I don't remember what they looked like.

[@DogsandFilm]

Baxter's Appearences: 1. 00:48 2. 01:01 See ya next time. Cheers

[@nospoilers8759]

Thanks a lot bitch

[@DogsandFilm]

@@nospoilers8759 you're welcome

[@kollegekool]

how is this not a pinned comment yet

[@DogsandFilm]

@@kollegekool It's all in Baxter's paws

[@majki3144]

Awesome video!

[@lubowrc]

You can just pull the dark slide on small portions on equal intervals of time to test the ISO. As one tests the exposure when printing.

[@grainydaysss]

solid tip!

[@tomgdownhill]

Exactly what i was going to write XD basically the same trick as the classic "expo test" in the drakroom with paper

[@thearctican1]

@@tomgdownhill Yep. This is exactly the technique I was taught in university to illustrate the effects of the exposure triangle in 'real time' in order to compensate for over/under exposure against the developed speed. I never thought to try it at the film exposure stage, though!

[@theo_korner]

the portrait of Kaleb is insane. very rugged look.

[@mikejankowski6321]

Possibly the best image. A case where an experiment goes way wrong and ends up beautiful.

[@thatdeafguyuk]

.....and then you meet him! Only joshing with ya Caleb, or am I....?!

[@roland_6496]

Jason's mullet: Business in the front, party in the back.

[@Condog]

Isn’t that every mullet lol

[@kennethservida6144]

And Frankly Disappointing on the sides

[@alexcss423]

@@kennethservida6144 Apparently it's what FD stands for on Canon lenses

[@NickSmithPhoto]

The age damage on those sheets really adds to the gritty rock textures in the frame. Kinda has a cosmic feel as they remind of stars

[@technol-bismol3778]

Bloody amazing video man I’m so happy I was able to help out the channel like this

[@AndreLieberher]

Shout out to Andrew right here

[@grainydaysss]

you're the man!

[@therazor9875]

"Film is a bit like Shrödinger's cat....." 😂😂😂 Fucking brilliant man.

[@NightPaddle]

Despite his pronounciation was as bad as my written english.

[@sutlusipko]

I always wondered how a film as old as my soul would look like. Thanks

[@BadFlashes]

Somehow I always seem to call while you are recording a video... It's my superpower 🚀

[@EuroGunOrg]

I do love the comparison of undeveloped film photos to schrodinger's cat.

[@jamasters62]

Man, this whole thing looks like fun to me. I shoot expired film occasionally and the result is a total crap shoot, but sometimes magic happens to make it all worthwhile. The non-blurry image of Caleb is just that kind of unexpected magic in my opinion. A nice contact print, framed, would make a good Christmas present for him (I think). The ancient film in that portrait looks gritty, grainy and spotty in a way that someone who just sees the print without knowing the whole story would say, "How did you get this amazing, killer looking gritty, grainy and spotty look?!"

[@niallsheffieldphotography4215]

That portrait is solid work, how many portraits can say they were shot on film older than they were.

[@gavinfulton1361]

This is fucking rad. I love that you're not afraid to shoot old film and show us the process. Keep it up! I honestly really loved all the photos. The gamble on whether or not something is going to turn out is half the fun. It adds character and tells a story, layering a dimension to each photo. That portrait of Caleb is 🔥

[@Kodak]

wow im old

[@BryanBirks]

not old. just experienced

[@lukeblankenship8424]

There’s literally no way you don’t run a meme account with your humor.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Jason got a booty call from caleb. 😂finally we have the proof.

[@AwesomeCameras]

I thought for sure you were going to say you shot 60 sheets of ONE year old film!

[@Al_Bx]

Shit that would have been HILARIOUS !!

[@danienelphoto]

Do you literally keep a notebook of clever one-liners? Getting a good laugh in every time I watch your videos. Definite plus!

[@kylewood8327]

The portrait shots looked like something from the movie “The Haunting” For a film that expired when I was born, it looks great!

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

*Really cool project* .Using old, expired film can be such a hit-and-miss.That portrait! 😍 *Amazing* how large format renders subjects. Thanks for sharing your large format exploits.

[@jackson615]

This channel is so underrated! Seriously some of the best film photography content out there!

[@ReimannPembroke]

Awesome video! You've got to be one of the most savvy 8x10 shooters or hate yourself (or both) to go shoot with 60 year old sheet film. The results were awesome though. The portrait of Caleb is straight baller

[@jackstacks83]

That zoom-in parallax effect you’ve been doing in the latest videos, would love to know how it’s done!

[@acentoni]

This.

[@zacharyreimer5113]

These videos are becoming so incredibly good. Geez.

[@AlisterMalcolm]

"i think i probably could've done most these photos better if i'm being honest" now thats my whole life story right there

[@kylekrulikowski2588]

its never a question of whether I will give your videos likes or not but what joke or reference you make that reminds me to give it one

[@morepork281]

Having followed channel from the early days its so satisfying to see it getting the recognition it deserves. Initially, it was the humour as well as the photography that appealed to me, its still on the money.

[@mattbray_studio]

"what am i feeling right now?" "emotionally?"

[@paulschumacker9901]

I’ve got a batch of 120 Kodak Panatomic X film that expired in 1972. But it’s been in a freezer continuously since 1970. And it’s perfect. Freezing absolutely preserves film characteristics.

[@IshitaGaur]

underrated channel. i always, always look forward to your videos; quality content!

[@williamshaffer9216]

Another great video!!! Back in the 1960s, I would shoot 35MM Panatomic-X and develope it in Microdol-X Developer for super fine grain. The grain was practically invisible. Thanks for this episode. I also enjoy seeing Monica and especially Baxter!

[@rebeccasuur]

Love the comparison to Schrödinger’s cat. So true.

[@subrotomitra]

Under all that self-depreciating attitude, you are a master of this craft ! Thanks again

[@StanielBapes]

Damn you. I am supposed to be writing my thesis, but we all know what is more deserving of my attention right now.

[@NikonFM2n]

Your dead pan is spot on man. It keeps me in stitches. 😄🤣😂😆

[@oliverbeardsley-stites8559]

so sick really like this a lot those desert shots where swag as fuck

[@XxMooImADuckxX]

That shot of Caleb the friendly giant is fantastic!

[@nobodyneedsthis]

Rockin the vintage Ansel Adams hat is required when shooting large format. Same same the beard. I don't have either so I have to shoot my 4x5 behind closed doors in shame.

[@sandrofrias1635]

That portrait was amazing 👏

[@scoopold]

Absolutely love that portrait.

[@frankhdh]

9:02 ...sharp pictures ... every one can do that... but this one is special very unique shot! I like it!

[@thegrainsilo7353]

Awesome video as always, I'd love to see more expired film shoots like this, so fascinating!

[@archer1332]

Man, that is one dope portrait shot

[@tiffyhuges2608]

It nice you have this old-fashioned camera worthy to learn. Also, this place where Star Trek movie was plays action and actress filmmaking. I was there before in 2015.

[@jankubat2694]

I was just listening to the Fujilove interview when the notification for this video rang.

[@MeowjinBoo]

Wow that picture of Caleb! That might be the best photo I've ever seen on the channel.

[@camerafusion]

Another great video

[@victorcarmelo8606]

5:57, 6:10 and 7:17 you reminded me of a young Ansel Adams with that hat and bandana. Always enjoy your videos and this one especially re the age of the film. Caleb looked like he had an old movie backdrop behind him. Thanks and regards.

[@walontuoja4336]

Came for the expired sheet film, stayed for the self-deprecating witty jabs. Subscribed!

[@thelostbushmanlg1765]

Loved that portrait, great video

[@shawnj8765]

''Flat like a roadkill'' OMG you go me teared up.

[@josvangalen8973]

I kinda dig the textures, maybe even love it

[@toulcaz31]

Caleb obviously saved the day with his modeling magic. 🙂

[@vesperovintage47]

I think you could have asked for a special development. Maybe for the second phase of the test. A contrasty development would give you better tonal range. Great video!!

[@joemeyer6876]

Diggin the Ansel Adams Hat and Scarf! Panatomix X was the bomb in my day, very fine grain, wicked prints with nylon hose trick and polycontrast filters.

[@SynthieFreak]

7:56 I love that ghost appearance in your shot.

[@morrisbagnall2690]

The best portrait you have ever taken is the best portrait ever seen on this channel. Congrats!

[@morrisbagnall2690]

By the way, it's a fuckin' awesome shot. 3D like 3D should be!

[@FilmCameraObsession]

That last one is a sweet portrait fo sho.

[@c.h.schouler6621]

Amazing project

[@heathbrowning34]

I always look forward to your videos Jason, so good. That film was amazing, considering how out of date it was. Incredible! Keep up the great work 😃

[@columbusfilmlab4233]

this is amazing... those little black dots are from radioactive fallout, from the atomic tests in Nevada in the 50s

[@turbochargedtransit7241]

Finally some goddamn rail photos! At 11:03, you can actually see my home railroad, the Providence and Worcester, all the way out in CA! Would've loved if you had gotten the train in that sheet, but still some great shots!

[@trueblack6760]

So we leaned that the only way to shoot Caleb cool is to use the 60 years old film. I'm glad you finally find this.

[@HornedBee]

You know the more fucked up shots were the more I liked them, these fuckups add so much to the texture and vibe of the photos

[@tierangreen]

This was absolutely hilarious. I died. I’m dead.

[@jackpowellphotography]

Love the location you went to, it looks amazing!

[@oliverthorburn]

Now I'm more keen than ever to get a 4x5 camera and shoot the 20 yr expired box of Ilford FP4 I picked up recently

[@Tinderchaff]

As far as Catlabs 80 goes, all the rolls I have shot (4 or 5 now) are repackaged Shanghai GP3. How do I know, it says so on the inner sticky label :). Interestingly though that is normally a 100 ISO film, quite why Catlabs rated it at 80 I have no idea. For those wanting to know what Shanghair GP3 is, read this article Shanghai release GP3 100-ISO film in 35mm - Kosmo Foto

[@georgfritz]

I'm a little envious of your set up..... I would love to have a camera and the knowledge how to use it. My RB67 is with me sins the 70th . I still dream of a larger format. Thanks for sharing

[@digitalArtform]

You should have fashioned a rudimentary large format camera and film at that location out of rocks and sticks, like the Gorn did in the Flintstones movie.

[@TheCaffeinator]

toilet backsplash is the worst dude. Your analogy was spot on as always

[@mikejankowski6321]

Toilet backsplash being spot on? Ugh!

[@TheCaffeinator]

@@mikejankowski6321 buaha good one

[@kinew9212]

Amazing shots, and some really cool film! For anyone interested, I'm pretty sure Catlabs 80 is rebadged Shanghai GP3 - handy for looking up dev times or buying in places where they sell Shanghai film.

[@javiercastro7694]

The ghost and flares that decorate your photos are most probably the effect of exposure to gamma rays. I hate to explain what I think I know, because then everybody will know it also, but this was passed to me by a DP friend with whom I did some films, so... Gamma rays are everywhere and almost impossible to avoid. Usually, in the time it takes for a normal photographer to buy, expose and develop film, its effects are negligible. But it's cumulative and in 60 years, pretty strong. If you keep the film in a fridge, cold will reduce chemical activity, and keep it usable longer. But also fridges have pretty good insulation from rays and heath and gammas. Anyway, the pics are pretty good, like magical and suggestive. Yes, I know you don't shoot 8x10 as if it was a Diana, it doesn't really make sense at all, but in the end it all comes to the same effect. You get the unexpected, you lose control, etc. I think your pal's portrait is awesome, with flares and stains and all, and some of the other pics have a beauty of their own, let's say. Love your work, thanks for sharing,.

[@NandR]

I came across a few rolls of Panatomic X and put one through my Speed Graphic and one through the Rolleiflex. Not every shot was perfect but it surprised me how well it worked.

[@T-Prime848]

As Usual Another Vintage Psychedelic Video Keep The Film Vibe Alive Man ..

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

I said "aww puppy" exactly when Baxter looked at the camera. I think he felt that.

[@tycjantrzpiola]

Yep, you did a great job with this portrait.

[@user-is4jf8yr4z]

10:05 absolute killer shot!

[@philgelb7726]

I may or may not have been refreshing my youtube daily waiting for this moment

[@rorythorns1597]

Panatomic-X is fucking amazing, only shot it in 35mm but god it holds up so well

[@gueorgui29]

This Schrodinger shit is GOLD!

[@Marc-WOA]

Instant like for that large format hotness.

[@CJR91]

Should consider Wet Scanning. ANR glass doesn't always get rid of Newton Rings. Well in my experience. Wet Mount Scanning gets rid of them all and you gain more detail from the film.

[@rodrigopfs]

Also Caleb's looking fly af

[@SrirajaPanich]

I have a line on some Kodak Plus X 120 film that expired in 1954. I think I’ll buy it it! Looks like a lot of fun to shoot.

[@missvanilla77]

Your 9:53 portrait is so cool!!!!! Btw im a huge fan of this channel. Starting my first film camera last year september 2021. XD

[@hunterallen5141]

All of these are sick

[@fionnoleary8022]

im in a good mood, and you uploading a vid has made it even better 😊

[@tututaurus]

I love you Humor. Nice work. Greetings from Germany

[@DLivingston]

1:23 - so much knowledge and truth.

[@jamesmoore9511]

Grain size depends the film and the developer used, use Kodak Microdol-x, Ethol UFG or Ilford DDX and grain will be nearly invisible. Back then (when I was in High school) film speed was expressed as ASA (american standards association) or DIN (deutsche industrial normal). Just a note - keep your film in the freezer till the day before use for max film life.

[@richardstollar4291]

120mm on an 8x10 - cool - that's one serious lens

[@c.ontraluz]

Really cool! You could have also done an exposure test by not taking the slide all the way out and doing multiple steps on the same sheet that way you didnt waste as many sheets

[@thehawk4231]

You blew my mind with the Schrodinger's Cat analogy 🤯

[@user-gz6bh9oq5p]

Probably some KBr for anti-fog effect can made sheets look better after development

[@TheRealTulbot]

Late to the game, but I, last year, shot some APX 25 that had expired in ‘89 and had been stored in a shed in Australia (0-40+ deg C). Shot perfectly at box speed. Slow black and white film doesn’t want to die

[@Melissa.1989]

thank you for this high quality content

[@Alex.0470]

Funny, I'm the one who sent you the Hopper artwork on IG because it gets you "moist." To which you replied that you were infact, "hella moist." Glad to have been of some assistance.

[@grainydaysss]

Still hella moist

[@Bergie22x]

Developing in HC-110 at 1+90 dilution for 18 mins will get an image on anything. Plus, HC-110 handle film base fog really well. I've used that to get images on 4x5 Ansco Pan film from 1955.