120 film with readable numbers?

It's been a while since I've shot Kodak 120 with a red window camera, but I recall the main problem with their backing paper is not readability but rather trying to figure out their "1." I recall that it's just a vertical | rather than a proper 1 -- 2 is clear enough, but by then you've missed the first frame, of course. No such problem with Ilford!
 
I normally use ISO 100 or ISO 400 black & white film in my medium format cameras that use red windows for film advance. The ISO 100 films I use have very readable numbers. The ISO 400 film I use has hard-to-read numbers.

Easy to Read Numbers by Narsuitus, on Flickr
 
Kodak and Ilford both switched to lighter (grey rather than black) numbers/printing on their backing paper several years ago. Kodak definitely had issues with the printed characters transferring onto the emulsion, and maybe Ilford did, too.

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153279

I keep hoping that they will work out the paper or printing issues and return to darker/bolder numbers, but this hasn't happened yet. The current numbers can be hard to read in low light, or if your window isn't as clear as it should be.
 
Here is a comparison between the old and "new" Kodak backing paper numbers. The latest Kodak film has a shiny surface on the backing paper, but still has the more indistinct printing.


I agree about the "1" being easy to miss or confuse with a dash.



50279104912_a9b5ffb4eb_b.jpg
 
Perry_B said:
Kodak and Ilford both switched to lighter (grey rather than black) numbers/printing on their backing paper several years ago. Kodak definitely had issues with the printed characters transferring onto the emulsion, and maybe Ilford did, too.

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153279

I keep hoping that they will work out the paper or printing issues and return to darker/bolder numbers, but this hasn't happened yet. The current numbers can be hard to read in low light, or if your window isn't as clear as it should be.
Click to expand...

I had the shadow number from some Ilford years ago, then I just started taping over my window. What I saw was that the number is occompanied with a window shadow, so it was more about the darkness of the blackening of the paper. I never had this problem with original Verichrome backing paper.

Since this has been a problem, I don't feel good about shining a flashlight or holding up to sunlight to see through my ruby windows! (I'm pretty sure I've read original instructions saying to do in "subdued light!").

Yeah, at 70 years old of use, the windows aren't that good anymore as well!

The Fomapan is super readable though.
 
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