Can 70mm Kodak Ektachrome film withstand extreme temperatures?
Asked 3/11/2017
1 views
2 answers
0
I'm wondering how 70mm Kodak Ektachrome film handles very high or very low temperatures. For example, would it survive something like deep-sea cold or very hot conditions near volcanic environments? I've heard radiation can fog film and reduce contrast, but I'm specifically asking about temperature extremes and whether the film base or emulsion would be damaged.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
3
The 70mm film probably has Estar base - I am sure the temperatures allowed are published somewhere. There is also the emulsion which melts around 50C. Higher temps wil permanently damage the image.
As far as the low temperatures, it will most likely survive -200C, which is approx around liquid nitrogen temp. Anything around -200C will become extremely brittle. So you will have to be careful about manipulation.
Originally by user27944. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27944
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Not across the full range you mention. From the answers, the main limit is heat: film emulsion can be damaged at relatively modest high temperatures, and around 50°C it may begin to soften or deform. Much higher heat would likely cause permanent damage, warping, or image loss. Extremely hot conditions anywhere near volcanic temperatures would not be safe for ordinary Ektachrome film.
On the cold side, the film may physically survive very low temperatures, even near -200°C, but it would become extremely brittle and risky to handle until warmed carefully. So “survive” is not the same as “usable without precautions.”
Space-use examples don’t prove normal consumer film can tolerate all extremes directly, because spacecraft cameras, magazines, and operating conditions were controlled, and some films/emulsions for NASA use were specially selected or adapted.
So the practical answer is: very low temperatures may be survivable if the film is protected and not flexed, but very high temperatures are much more likely to permanently ruin the film.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI9y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Does ambient temperature affect film sensitivity at exposure time?