 Paul D. Carter |
Film expiration, etc. I have been storing a couple of rolls of Fuji 1600 film in the refrigerator for about two years. Is this film still good to use? How long can one keep film in refrigerator? Paul
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy Paul: First, what's the expiration date printed on the boxes say? Freezing film prolongs it's useful life but even for dinking around, I wouldn't use anything frozen that exceeds the expiration date by 3 years, including that leftover lasagne next to the film. Refrigerating film helps prevent emulsions from deteriorating, fresh film and expired film included and in my experience preserves professional grade emulsions up to about 1 1/2 to two years. But beyond that, you'll start to notice colors aren't as bright and you need to overexpose them more than usual to get better color saturation. Non-professional grade color stuff, like the consumer-grade Kodak and Fuji, will last quite awhile longer but then IMHO it's color balance isn't the same as the pro grades. Take it light, and don't forget to give it sufficient warm-up time.
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Alan N. Marcus |
Hi Paul, Photographic materials are perishables and thus have an expiration date, generally about 2 years from manufacture. Film consists of light sensitive crystals (silver salts) that undergo chemical changes when exposed to light. These changes are necessary as they permit the developer solution to differentiate between exposed and unexposed crystals. The problem is; these crystals can be tripped off by actions other than light. Heat, pressure, unavoidable exposure to background radiation, as well as natural ageing will render film totally fogged. Refrigeration is known to somewhat arrest this natural aging process. Film in unspoiled original packaging, refrigerated at 0°F, will show little degradation and should remain good to go for several years after the expiration date. However film sensitivity (ISO) increases slightly. Testing is always prudent. Consideration should be given to cost saving vs. potential substandard results. Film (black & white) recovered from failed artic expeditions was found to be quite serviceable, decades later. Exposed images developed and become historical treasures. The biggest ageing problem is known a latent image shifting. Film should be developed promptly after exposure. This is true because exposed film contains many crystals now on the threshold of having received enough light to render them exposes. These sites are easily tripped off by meddlesome energies and instability. If development is to be delayed, refrigeration is called for. Color negative films are always augmented by test materials used to assist the lab with the adjustment of their printer for color balance. Over time, new film batches emerge, this makes it compulsory for the lab to purchase revised materials. Film you have stored for many months/years will no longer be compliant. Labs attempting to print these older emulsions are disadvantaged. Alan Marcus
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