BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Film & Photo Preservation Information

Photography Question 

Ronnie Black
 

Keeping Film in the Refrigerator


I have been advised by a friend to keep my unused film - both colour and black and white - in my fridge at home. Is this true? Or is he making fun of a beginner? Also, any comments on a Nikon lens 70-300mm AF f4/5.6 G type for use with a Nikon F75?


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May 12, 2004

 

Jon Close
  Your friend is correct, though this is usually overkill for consumer film unless you don't expect to use it until past its use-by date. Click on this link for Kodak's
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May 12, 2004

 

Jon Close
  Your friend is correct, though this is usually overkill for consumer film unless you don't expect to use it until past its use-by date. Click on this link for Kodak's Storage and Care of Photographic Materials.

This is really of much greater concern to professional photographers who rely on absolute consistenty in color balance from roll to roll, using professional films that are factory-aged then distributed at their peak. Photo shops carrying these professional films generally keep them refrigerated.


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May 12, 2004

 

Terry L. Long
  I keep my film in the refrigerator to keep it at a constant temperature ... not to keep it cold. I use it fast enough so the issue of keeping the colors constant isn't appropriate in my case. However, the temperature fluctuation where I live is extreme. Just two days ago it was up to the lower 70's, and today it snowed! Temperature fluctuation will ruin film just as fast as humidity - ergo, the refrigerator. I keep it in the manufacturer's packaging, so the humidity isn't a problem either.


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May 12, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata
  Yes, refrigerating film does retard its aging process. If you shoot a lot, it's wise to buy in bulk, and store unused rolls at a cool consistant temperature. Just make sure that you allow ample time for the film to warm up before loading it into your camera.


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May 12, 2004

 
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