[Author Prev][Author Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Author Index][Thread Index]
RE: [APML] Hypered film
North County Camera and Oceanside Photo & Telescope still have Tech Pan available. I think Samy's Camera has some as well (these are all in San Diego / LA area). I buy a few rolls everytime I stop in there. They'll be a little bit cheaper than Lumicon. You can try calling them as well.
-Jason
-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
[mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Don Westergren
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 5:30 PM
To: Discussion of Film Astrophotography
Subject: Re: [APML] Hypered film
Andrew,
For Black and White film, the only film that benefits from and absolutely
needs hypering is TechPan. George Anderson looked at quite a few recently
available B&W films, and didn't find any that compared with TechPan. For
color film, the old Royal Gold 200 (with expiration before 12/2003) needed
hypering and performed about the best of any color negative film. However,
both are no longer produced.
The only source of TechPan I know of now is Lumicon, and they do sell mail
order. I don't know prices and I have never used their hypered film. They
were the ones who made hypering readily available to the astrophotographers
around the world, with their hyper kits and available forming gas. I heard
recently that they bought out the remaining stock of TechPan from Kodak when
Kodak stopped making it.
As to how long hypering lasts, most sources recommend immediate use and
immediate processing of hypered film. Some tests of hypered TechPan have
shown a reduction in performance in as little as a week. My own film tests
of hypered color film found some films to improve with age. PJ400 and
PPF400 actually tested better after storing the hypered film 4 months in a
freezer. But they didn't get as good as fresh hypered Old RG200. This only
shows that there is no clear answer. Each film is different.
The cheapest ways to try hypered TechPan is to find someone who has the film
and equipment (and knowledge) to hyper some for you. Or you can order
hypered TechPan from Lumicon. Either way, try to plan to use and process it
quickly. You will need to develop it yourself as well. Most use D-19 for
it's extremely high contrast, however some like using HC-110 for less
contrast and better storability (of the developer).
If you have a source near you who can hyper the film for you (or do it
yourself) I would recommend trying to buy unhypered film from Lumicon. That
way you can have the freshest hypered film for AP. One last tip, since TP
is so precious, if you shoot 35mm then cut the film in half by winding about
16 turns into another cassette in a dark room. You will then have two
rolls of about 12 exposures - more than a night's use for astrophotogrgaphy.
Good Luck and Clear Skies,
Don
> Gang,
>
> I have never shot hypered film, but I would like to give it a try. I'm
> specifically thinking Tech Pan, to the extent I can still get it, but
> would
> consider other B&W or color films. I have a couple of basic questions,
> though...
>
> 1) What films beside Tech Pan should I consider? I can shoot either 35mm
> or,
> preferably, 6x7.
>
> 2) Where is a good mail-order source for hypered film?
>
> 3) Once I receive hypered film in the mail, how should I store it, and how
> many days/weeks will it keep?
>
> 4) After you shoot hypered film, how soon must it be developed?
>
> 5) Any other tips?
>
> Thanks to all. I've almost finished building my SkyShed, and my C14 is
> back
> from Celestron after a re-figuring of the secondary, so I'm almost ready
> to
> go!
>
> CS,
> Andy
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Astro-Photo mailing list
> Astro-Photo@seds.org
> http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo
>
_______________________________________________
Astro-Photo mailing list
Astro-Photo@seds.org
http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo
_______________________________________________
Astro-Photo mailing list
Astro-Photo@seds.org
http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo