Panatomic-X 120, same as 135?

[Sid836]

I have bought a few 120 rolls of my all time favourite black and white film, Panatomic-X, and I am wondering is the 120 version of that film the same as the 135? Do the same development scheme for the 135 apply to the 120 as well? I have not developed many 120 rolls by myself and I'd like not to mess things with Panatomic. Would you recommend a fresh D-76, or a few weeks old one?
Lots of verichrome is on its way too.

 

[wblynch]

Sorry, I have not used Panatomic-X but Verichrome Pan in HC-110 is delicious.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

The big question is WHERE did you get Panatomic X?!
Use fresh chemistry, especially on almost thirty year old film.
You may want to consult the Darkroom Cookbook or another source to account for possible base fog.
Really, shoot it, and enjoy. I'm jealous!

Phil Forrest

 

[Sid836]

I had a trip to UK and I have bought lots of it from a London photo-store that had tons of old films. I have bought all Panatomic X they had and ten rolls of Agfa Vario-XL. Not much keen for the Vario-XL, but Panatomic has got me really started. I love it and I'd like to get it right already from the first frame. I had used it before in 135 from the same period (1978) and I have been thinking if I should follow the same workflow for the 120 too.
Are there any differences when using different formats of the same emulsion?
Unfortunately The Film Developing Cookbook has nothing about it. 🙁 I have found info on developing it in the Kodak's reference pdf for the D-76 developer. Hopefully I will get 120 right first try.

 

[Nokton48]

I would say fresh D-76. But you might also investigate Beutler (Leica) developer.

I still have 20 36exp rolls of well-kept 35mm Panatomic-x in my deep freeze.

 

[x-ray]

My guess would be that it's lost speed and increased base fog. Do a test roll at normal ISO, plus 1/2 and plus 1 stop on the roll repeating every three frames. Go in the dark and clip about the first 8 inches and wrap the film that's still on the roll back tightly and tape the leader so it doesnt unroll. Run the 8 inch clip and see how it looks and what ISO is best. If you have heavy base fog try some orthozite in the developer for the next test clip. You should be able to order orthozite or anti fog.


Slower film like panX probably won't have the level of fog that TX or higher speed film would have. Have fun!

 

[Sid836]

I guess that this is the best to do. I will try with the first frames and see how they look.
I'd rather try with the D-76 first that I know well and then with Beutler. I haven't tried with the second one anything yet.