Fridge the film?
Feb 2, 2018 23:20:22 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
QUESTION 1- if I buy several dozen 35mm color rolls of film with expire date of July 2018, can I preserve status better by refrigerating or by freezing?
QUESTION 2- best estimate of how long this film might be kept in useful status?
BACKGROUND: located film at a very good price so I am considering the Pros & Cons of stocking up.
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I discovered a great website for those, like me, that are film fanatics. Site...
http://istillshootfilm.org/
On that site, the Resources link for good film cameras puts Canon AE-1 as 1st listed. There are 9 other cameras on this interesting list.
QUESTION 2- best estimate of how long this film might be kept in useful status?
BACKGROUND: located film at a very good price so I am considering the Pros & Cons of stocking up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I discovered a great website for those, like me, that are film fanatics. Site...
http://istillshootfilm.org/
On that site, the Resources link for good film cameras puts Canon AE-1 as 1st listed. There are 9 other cameras on this interesting list.
Feb 2, 2018 23:39:47 #
You might find this link useful (I have a few rolls in the fridge, but most in the freezer): https://thedarkroom.com/category/photo-contests/
Btw, a Canon AE1-Program (AE1-P) has several advantages over the AE1.
Btw, a Canon AE1-Program (AE1-P) has several advantages over the AE1.
Feb 2, 2018 23:40:46 #
Freezing. Just be sure to give the film plenty of time to reach room temperature before you open it. I'm currently shooting Ektachrome 64 220 medium format frozen in-date prior to its 2006 expiration date. It should be fine. Before I gave up completely on my APS SLR (Minolta Vectis S1) I was using 6-7 year old frozen film with good results.
Feb 2, 2018 23:44:01 #
alx
Loc: NJ
bellgamin wrote:
QUESTION 1- if I buy several dozen 35mm color roll... (show quote)
Back in my film days I used to buy bulk (100' rolls) of professional film and spool down 35mm cassettes which I would freeze to maintain color consistency. Professional film was expected to be stored under refrigeration. If you have a great deal, I definitely recommend freezing to preserve the life expectancy of the film and would expect a long (freezer) shelf life with no sift in response. Bag it and just make sure you keep it in sealed ziplocked bags during the thaw process to avoid condensation.
Feb 2, 2018 23:44:29 #
If you plan to use up the film within the next five years or so, refrigeration will be sufficient. I've kept color negative film both refrigerated and frozen, and the results seem to be identical regardless how stored. If it is film rated above 400 ASA, perhaps better to freeze it to be on the safe side. Generally, the lower the film speed, the slower it deteriorates.
Feb 3, 2018 04:28:23 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Big help all around. Thanks multiplicitly to all! I am buying a small freezer just for film.
Re Canon ae1-p, I have added it to my wish list for purchase a few months from now.
NEW QUESTIONS:
1- I used to always have my print film developed as negatives plus contact prints. I checked Darkroom.com & a couple others but I didn't see that option on their price lists. Maybe the terminology has changed? Do processing labs still offer negatives + contacts? If so, is there a new name for that or do I have to special order or what?
2- Darkroom.com offers 3options: standard, enhanced, &super scans. What the heck does that mean?
3- Darkroom.com says they will send me negatives & CD with digital images. Is the CD the *modern* substitute for contacts?
Re Canon ae1-p, I have added it to my wish list for purchase a few months from now.
NEW QUESTIONS:
1- I used to always have my print film developed as negatives plus contact prints. I checked Darkroom.com & a couple others but I didn't see that option on their price lists. Maybe the terminology has changed? Do processing labs still offer negatives + contacts? If so, is there a new name for that or do I have to special order or what?
2- Darkroom.com offers 3options: standard, enhanced, &super scans. What the heck does that mean?
3- Darkroom.com says they will send me negatives & CD with digital images. Is the CD the *modern* substitute for contacts?
Feb 3, 2018 04:31:26 #
bellgamin wrote:
Big help all around. Thanks multiplicitly to all! ... (show quote)
No, it's just that folks don't do it.
Quote:
2- Darkroom.com offers 3options: standard, enhanced, &super scans. What the heck does that mean?
1=Small for posting on facebook
2=Ok size for viewing on computer
3=Pretty big, ok for printing.
Quote:
3- Darkroom.com says they will send me negatives & CD with digital images. Is the CD the *modern* substitute for contacts?
yes.
PS: When I have the occasion to not develop and print myself, I use Willow Photo Lab online. Better service, better prices.
Feb 3, 2018 12:55:06 #
I suggest freezing it When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge in a closed container and allow it to come to room temp before using. After exposing it put it back in the fridge in a closed container or develop ASAP.
Feb 3, 2018 14:23:28 #
bellgamin wrote:
QUESTION 1- if I buy several dozen 35mm color roll... (show quote)
Yes of course, I always and always have kept my films in the freezer, then prior to use (about a couple days), I transfered them to the fridge. I will repeat that by taking the films out of the fridge a day ahead of using them. Has always worked for me. The films stayed fresh for many years this way!
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