This film negative is the old Ilford FP4 @ 125 ASA, the predecessor of the current FP+ 125 emulsion which is still being produced by Ilford. Type – 517 was the designation given to 400ft bulk reels intended for cine use which Ilford used to manufacture. Also apparently this film was never sold in shops in the regular 400 metres rolls, or rolled in 35mm cartridges, as far as know. At least I never seen it on the shelves of the most photo supplies sellers in the early 90s. Although this emulsion was originally rated at 125 ASA, these respools are rated 100 ASA. Easy to understand why. As old habits die hard, I even went slower than this, rating it at 64.
Note: I shot this film through the recently repaired Nikon F2 Photomic, the one with a busted curtain. As far as I can see, the repair went all right, no light spots anywhere on the negatives. Quite pleased with myself.
Right. There is no difference whatsoever between this 517 type film and the regular FP4 125. They are one and the same stock, as far as I know and by what the noise up the grapevine is now. Obviously, being the magpie that I am, I could not resist getting some and trying it out. I remember shooting FP4 125 in my Nikons back in the early 90s, Jessops was filled to the brim with good Ilford, Agfa and Kodak stock. The FP4 was working brilliantly in my Minox cameras, but also in 35mm cameras, giving me the smooth and rich tones which I was seeking to get in my shots. Mind, I was not an exclusive Ilford shooter/user, but the Ilford emulsions were on my first three preferred films back in the day (and still are).
To be perfectly honest, I was amazed at the grain of this film, I mean lack thereof. It reminded me of the prints I used to make from the same emulsion, back in the day: creamy, a cascade of grey tones, and a feeling of a pleasant image. Of course, there is some grain there, but is hardly noticeable. In the first years of my photographic adventure, I was adamant to make images with the finest appearance, and the grain was almost my personal enemy. Years passed, and I came to understand and accept the grain, even seeking it and embrace it. Shooting mainly 400 film nowadays, pushed or not, makes one welcoming the grain; it makes for more captivating and meaningful photographs. At least this is my take on grain.
I was also amazed at how fast this film dries, in well under 90 minutes, in normal conditions. It dries flat-ish, no massive curling which is good news for those who scan the negative. Archiving the negative is therefore much easier too, which is a plus for me. Btw, there was nothing done different than with another type of film, during the processing: same temp (20*), same rinsing, same fixing, same rinsing, etc. Nothing else added. I must say here that I didn’t expected so fine a film to be, after al these years stored frozen. What can I say? I am, yes, amazed.
These are some images taken with this Ilford FP4 type 517, loaded in a Nikon F2 Photomic. As said, I very much like this film, and I know I will buy some more. I cannot wait to shoot it in winter time, and see how it deals with strong highlights and such. Seeing the latitude of the emulsion (quite generous and forgiving), good results are expected.
I rated the film at 64 ASA and shot it accordingly. The processing was done in Ilfosol 3, for 6′ 30″, 30″ initial inversions, and once every minute thereafter.
