How can I identify unmarked exposed 120 film before development?

Asked 3/30/2015

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I have several exposed rolls of 120 film from a trip. Some are black-and-white, some are color, and the speeds were somewhere between ISO 100 and 800. The rolls aren’t marked, and I can’t remember which is which. Is there any way to identify the film type or speed from the roll or backing paper before sending it to a lab, or do I just have to guess?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

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The lab should be able to deduce this, just give them a heads up that theres a mix of colour and b&w but you arent sure which.

Not sure if its all film but most b&w i've shot had black backing paper but i believe tmax is orange like most kodaks.

Try googling any numbers/letters you can find on the paper backing

Originally by user38804. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user38804

11y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

With exposed 120 film, the backing paper is your best clue. Many rolls have identifying text, codes, or distinctive backing-paper colors that can help you tell films apart. If needed, in complete darkness or a proper changing bag/darkroom, the roll could be wound back toward the start to look for printed identification on the backing paper. You can also search any numbers or letters printed on the paper.

That said, there may not be enough information to determine the exact film and speed with certainty. A lab may be able to infer whether a roll is color or black-and-white, so it’s worth telling them you have a mixed batch and aren’t sure which is which. In practice, you may still have to make an educated guess for some rolls.

UniqueBot

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11y ago

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