Kodak T-MAX P3200 & Cosmic Radiation: A Match Made in Hell

[Stereodude]

So, I just need to vent, and I guess you all can learn from my mistake or laugh at me.

Apparently, T-MAX P3200 film is susceptible to cosmic radiation which causes the film to become fogged over time. As a result it can't be stored long term, even if frozen. Unfortunately, prior to knowing this, I had the bright idea to buy 20 rolls on ebay that expired in 2/2009. I figure this wasn't a big deal since I had successfully shot and developed T-MAX 400 & 100 that was 10 years past its expiration date. It wasn't frozen or even refrigerated and the results were still fine.

Boy was I wrong about the out date T-MAX P3200...

I shot two of the 20 rolls and they both have the same level of fogging. They were shot in different cameras, so it's not the camera fogging the film. I also bought 8 rolls of short date T-MAX P3200 that expires in 4/2010. I shot one of them and it has less fogging, though it is better, it's not as clear as the film base is. I am thankful though that I didn't buy any of the really out date T-MAX P3200 I've seen on ebay (like stuff from 2004). It would be completely worthless. :bstd:

Here are 100% crops (completely unedited) from my Nikon Coolscan 5000 ED of unexposed areas of different films to give you an idea on the level of fogging: (they should be all completely black)

1)

2)

3)

1) 2/2009 exp T-MAX P3200 shot @ ISO 3200 and developed @ ISO 3200 in TMAX developer (1:4 dilution) per the datasheet (9.5 minutes @ 75C)
2) 4/2010 exp T-MAX P3200 shot @ ISO 3200 and developed @ ISO 3200 in TMAX developer (1:4 dilution) per the datasheet (9.5 minutes @ 75C)
3) T-MAX 100 that expired >11 years ago (not refrigerated or frozen) developed in D76 (1:1) per the datasheet (8.5 minutes @ 75C)

Tonight I shot a roll of the 2/2009 T-MAX P3200 @ ISO 800 (in about 5 seconds) and developed it @ ISO 800 in TMAX developer (1:4 dilution) per the datasheet (7.5 minutes @ 75C) that is upstairs drying right now. Once it is dry I will scan it and see how it compares. I'm hoping for better results. :sqnt:


Cliff Notes:
1) Don't buy out of date Kodak T-MAX P3200 film regardless of how it was stored
2) Don't buy near date Kodak T-MAX P3200 film regardless of how it was stored unless some fogging is acceptable and you plan to use it very soon after buying it.
3) Don't buy any Kodak T-MAX P3200 film planning to store it unless you have access to someplace that blocks cosmic radiation. An old mine several thousand feet down into the earth would work.
4) No profit...

 

[sdbardwick]

Most likely not cosmic rays, as their rather sparse density at the surface of the earth would not be enough to cause the amount of degradation exhibited. More likely is just the natural decomposition of the photochemicals in the emulsion; they are easily disturbed (hence the high ISO rating) and improper storage might have accelerated the failure.

 

[Stereodude]

I'm not sure I share your skepticism. There seem to be quite a bit of talk about the susceptibility of high speed film to cosmic radiation.

From Kodak's website:

Refrigerating camera films reduces the photographic effects of storage, but refrigeration cannot reduce the effects of ambient gamma radiation. Gamma radiation (high energy from cosmic radiation and low energy from radio-nucleotide decay) increases the D-min densities and toe densities and also increases grain. Higher speed films are more affected by gamma radiation than lower speed films. A camera film with an EI (Exposure Index) of 800 has a three times greater change than an EI 200 film. Exposed and unprocessed film that has been properly refrigerated retains the speed and contrast of the exposure conditions, but the overall D-min, toe and grain will continue to increase.

 

[LunarMist]

Yeah, everyone knows that is a problem from way back when. I recall that Kodak used to store it underground. Many of us travelled with a couple rolls of P3200 with our slower films to avoid the x-ray scanners at airports. I never actually had any developed.

 

[Stereodude]

Update with ISO800 results (#3 below):

1)

2)

3)

4)

1) 2/2009 exp T-MAX P3200 shot @ ISO3200 and developed @ ISO3200 in TMAX developer (1:4 dilution) per the datasheet (9.5 minutes @ 75C)
2) 4/2010 exp T-MAX P3200 shot @ ISO3200 and developed @ ISO3200 in TMAX developer (1:4 dilution) per the datasheet (9.5 minutes @ 75C)
3) 2/2009 exp T-MAX P3200 shot @ ISO800 and developed @ ISO800 in TMAX developer (1:4 dilution) per the datasheet (7.5 minutes @ 75C)
4) T-MAX 100 that expired >11 years ago (not refrigerated or frozen) developed in D76 (1:1) per the datasheet (8.5 minutes @ 75C)

I guess by using the film at ISO800 or ISO400 it will be acceptable.

 

[Stereodude]

Yeah, everyone knows that is a problem from way back when. I recall that Kodak used to store it underground.

Well why didn't you tell me? :rabbit:

 

[LunarMist]

I don't recall the question being asked.

 

[Stereodude]

I don't recall the question being asked.

That was the joke. :bomb: