Kodak Medical Films

[Terence]

Kodak makes numerous B&W medical films, many of which are "laser imaging" films sensitive to IR. The only one I've used (somewhat successfully) is the older Kodak Medical IR film. Does anyone know if any of the others would be suitable for "general" photographic use?

I realize, from previous experimentation, that exposure time will be longer than normal and can accept that. I would rather NOT have to prewash any film before shooting it, as has been suggested for at least one type of xray film.

 

[DBP]

Back in the 70s I used to bulk load from the scrap ends of 35mm X-ray film used to record heart catheterizations. As far as I can remember, the contrast was a little low, but as I was guessing on development times and using an ancient Federal Enlarger (with original, uncoated, lens), I suspect that better results were possible.

 

[juan]

I'm curious about this as I would like to do some night photographs illuminated with IR flash. With my Speed Graphic. There's very little 4x5 IR film available, so I wonder if I might be able to cut down medical film.
juan

 

[htmlguru4242]

I've wondered the same about these films

I know (from experience) that X-Ray films work for conventional photography. The emulsions tend to be soft physically, and the contrast is a bit of a trick to control (some films are high, some are low), but it works well once you figure it out.

I've been wanting to try out some of the IR laser films, but I've not gotten the chace. From the datasheets, it seems like they're in the single-digit ISO numbers, and the contrast is extremely high.

It seems to me that as long as they are silver halide materials that can be run in standard developers, it'd be possible to "hack" them into use.

I've never been able to find a place to buy these films, either ...

Terence: how were the results from the IR film that you used?

 

[Terence]

I got a film speed below 1. More like 1/10. But with a red #29 filter I definitely got a decent IR effect. More IR effect than Konica, and less than Kodak HIE. And no real halo-ing. I've lost quite a few shots to camera movement, as shutter times are looooong even in broad daylight.

Unfortunately, when I got the box, one side was cut open and there was a nick in the black plastic bag, so I lost a few inches of the 14x17 film to fogging. Cut down to 4x5 and 5x7 though it works okay. I don't have a scanner, or I'd post a couple of them.