Developing OLD film?
Dec 28, 2019 16:53:30 #
I would like to ask all the UHH. My cousin just sent me a question. "Anyone have any guidance on developing 35 mm film that is 20+ yrs old? It has been kept in a cabinet in my Mom's living room so, dark and climate controlled. I had tried developing 1 roll 2 or so years ago but Walgreen's said it was all dark." Are there or is there a place that would develop these 35mm rolls? I tried to tag in on an Old camera question but I felt it deserved it's own topic so here I am asking for all to see if help is out there!
Dec 28, 2019 16:57:28 #
DBQ49er wrote:
I would like to ask all the UHH. My cousin just s... (show quote)
It's not going to get any fresher sitting in the cupboard. We have a local camera shop that does it, Dodd Camera. Online there are places like the darkroom. If it still has the leader sticking out it was probably never put in a camera. You could get something out of old film, or not, have to do it to see.
Dec 28, 2019 17:13:43 #
The film was in Virginia and the cousin will be bringing the film to San Antonio Tx. if that helps.
Dec 28, 2019 17:17:19 #
DBQ49er wrote:
The film was in Virginia and the cousin will be bringing the film to San Antonio Tx. if that helps.
I'd imagine San Antonio has a photo store. Otherwise send it out. You can get back a CD of digitized images to see what it is.
Dec 28, 2019 17:51:03 #
There are pros who specialize in this. Generally, a 1-stop “push” process can help such film.
Quality depends on many factors — storage conditions, age, film speed, brand, exposure accuracy...
Quality depends on many factors — storage conditions, age, film speed, brand, exposure accuracy...
Dec 28, 2019 18:15:45 #
Dec 28, 2019 19:50:38 #
At this point, all I know is the 35MM statement that I included. I could ask when they get back to San Antonio. I am looking for a place that is known to have recovered old film no matter where it is actually located. Somebody surely has had to have this done for them.
Dec 28, 2019 20:19:06 #
It depends on the film. The reason I asked is that if it is Kodachrome slide film, no one can develop it except to produce B&W (no chemicals anymore). If it is color print or B&W film, I would suggest The Darkroom: https://thedarkroom.com/old-rolls-film-developing/
Dec 29, 2019 08:09:31 #
SteveLoker
Loc: Fort Worth, TX
A Google Maps search gave me a couple places in the San Antonio area. San Antonio Photo Lab says they've been in business since 1975. I'd give them a call tomorrow and see if they can do it and if not, who in the area can. We all "know a guy/place" we are happy to pass along.
I found them on Google Maps using "film developer near San Antonio, TX" in the search box.
Keep us posted and good luck with this.
I found them on Google Maps using "film developer near San Antonio, TX" in the search box.
Keep us posted and good luck with this.
Dec 29, 2019 08:11:40 #
SteveLoker
Loc: Fort Worth, TX
I forgot a disclaimer, just in case. Just a search return with a starting place, not an endorsement. Now, if you were going to be in the Fort Worth area, I know a guy...
Dec 29, 2019 08:20:09 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
DBQ49er wrote:
At this point, all I know is the 35MM statement that I included. I could ask when they get back to San Antonio. I am looking for a place that is known to have recovered old film no matter where it is actually located. Somebody surely has had to have this done for them.
Search Google for film processing labs, call and tell them what you have, and go with the one that seems to be the most promising. The Darkroom has been recommended, Dwaynes (http://www.dwaynesphoto.com/) is good, and there are several others you can check out. I process my film promptly, so have no experience with old exposed film and cannot recommend a particular lab for that. Good luck!
Dec 29, 2019 10:08:33 #
Denny357mag
Loc: Sparta,Mi
I have some 20 year old Developers (d76) if that would help. Haha. Hope you can find someone who can develop by inspection , that an old skill that we used in the 60s(50s too) have a nice day.
Dec 29, 2019 11:34:53 #
This is what my cousin sent me today when I asked what kind of film, "6 Kodak rolls, 2 Fuji rolls, 1 generic roll. No tabs sticking out. 3 Kodak throw away cameras."
Thanks for those responses so far! I am just copying and pasting your suggestions into an email back to my cousin. All I can stress at this point is that "you will only get one chance at this process and to chose well." Again thanks and I do not know what they will decide or when.
Thanks for those responses so far! I am just copying and pasting your suggestions into an email back to my cousin. All I can stress at this point is that "you will only get one chance at this process and to chose well." Again thanks and I do not know what they will decide or when.
Dec 29, 2019 13:08:09 #
Take it to a dedicated film processing lab and talk with the technician about the options. Perhaps the lab can do a clip test, and based on the results, adjust processing accordingly.
Dec 29, 2019 13:20:51 #
You mean 40 year old developers? I haven't heard those names in lots of decades.
I remember pushing tri-x to 6400 and beyond with Rodinal. Those were the fun days - hanging negs up to dry from hangers with wooden clips (or metal ones if you were classy), then choosing: Kodak papers or Agfa. And which contrast grade? 1-6. Or the polyconterast filters? Then into the Durst 606 enlarger with a far-too-big 75mm zeiss lens, and test strips, and then, finally, those gorgeous B and W 8x10's developed, fixed, washed, and dried. The smells were themselves half the attractant. Thems was the good old days. (sigh)
I remember pushing tri-x to 6400 and beyond with Rodinal. Those were the fun days - hanging negs up to dry from hangers with wooden clips (or metal ones if you were classy), then choosing: Kodak papers or Agfa. And which contrast grade? 1-6. Or the polyconterast filters? Then into the Durst 606 enlarger with a far-too-big 75mm zeiss lens, and test strips, and then, finally, those gorgeous B and W 8x10's developed, fixed, washed, and dried. The smells were themselves half the attractant. Thems was the good old days. (sigh)
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