Faded 120 film backing paper numbers

[DSB]

From what I gather, it seems that the printing on 120 backing paper has changed over the years. For reasons such as ink offsetting, production costs, and third party printer quality control the numbers and graphics are lighter now. I own a few cameras that rely on using the red film counting windows, and I want to continue using them. But between the faded numbers and aging eyesight it is sometimes quite difficult to see through the old red windows. Unfortunately, Kodak tri-x numbers are almost invisible and Ilford hp-5 is only a little better. I hear that Fujifilm is bolder, but not my preferred film.

Does anyone have any recommendations for other black and white films that have darker bolder graphics on the backing paper?

Thanks,
David

 

[seany65]

Glad I found this thread, I've got a gevabox with a dark red window and I want to use colour film as well as mono, so I thought I'd better post here so's I can find the thread again.

Thanks for making this thread DSB.

 

[webOSUser]

I have the same problem with my Holga. I will try to keep notes on how various film backing numbers show up.

Steve W

 

[Steve M.]

Shooting colour film poses no more hazards than shooting B&W, as it's the backing paper that stops the light from hitting the film. Still, if you have any light leak issues, colour will show the effects more than B&W, and some films like Fuji have thin backing paper that will cause light leakage if you aren't careful and quick when advancing film.

A lot of olde folders don't have a very good felt light seal around the red window anymore, so it might be smart to put a piece of black electrical tape over the window and peek under it when you advance the film. Staying out of bright sunlight when you do that and sticking to slower ISO films makes sense too.

If memory serves me right, Ilford film has lighter and harder to see numbers than Kodak film.