I got my expired batch of Lomography 120mm Earl Grey 100 black & white film from my cousin. The good thing about film photography is that relatives and friends start giving you their cameras (mostly spoiled) and expired films.
Anyway, this batch has expired in year 2013. I don’t expect them to have much difference because it’s not like they’re expired more than 10 years ago like my expired Neopan SS which produced sticky chemical and spoil my camera. Furthermore, my cousin kept this batch in his dry cabinet.
But look at the results.
Lomography Earl Grey 100

Lomography Earl Grey 100 (2017)

Selfie, Lomography Earl Grey 100 (2017)

Lomography Earl Grey 100 (2017)
Basically, those white spots/patches appear on the whole film. My cousin gave me 3 rolls, and the 2 rolls that I’ve shot gave the same white specks issue.
I am not sure whether it’s the problem of the film, the developer or it’s the nature of the film?
But when I searched online to look at other’s Earl Grey, I don’t see the white specks on their photos.
Besides, the negative doesn’t stay straight and flat on it’s own.
Without any pressure such as when hanging to dry or before putting into film sleeve, the negative rolls up like a Swiss roll. It’s quite difficult to flatten it for scanning.
Tones
Well, if there’s no issue with the film, I quite like the tones of Earl Grey 100. It’s dark, contrasty and harsh. It kind of reminds me of Ilford Delta or Ilford FP 125+
Developer used: Kodak Tmax Professional (1:4)
Scanner: Epson V600
Will I try my third roll or buy this film?
Maybe.
I might get a 35mm or try its sister film: Lady Grey 400.
Feel free to let me know via e-mail or the comment below if you know why there’s white specks on my film.
Hey Nicole! Regarding the white patches, I’ve read that it’s either due to the ink of the paper backing or moisture causing the paper to stick to the film causing those patches. Happens pretty often to expired 120 film apparently!
Also, I read that Earl Grey 100 is actually either an older discontinued emulsion from Kodak T-Max or Fomapan!
Wow thanks for your input Ryan! I didn’t know that! 🙂