Should I refrigerate 35mm film canisters if I won’t use them for up to a year?

Asked 6/17/2014

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I have several new 35mm film canisters (24- and 36-exposure, not bulk rolls) that I may not use for up to a year. My apartment is usually around 72°F (22°C) but can reach 80°F (27°C) on hot days. Is it worth storing them in the refrigerator to preserve image quality, and if so, how should I avoid condensation when taking them out to use?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

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It depends on the type of film and on your post processing.

For black and white films there is no need to cool them at all. When they mature well beyond their expiration date, they might get a bit slower if at all.

It is different for colour emulsions. The three or four colour "layers" may mature at different speed which may then result in unwanted colour shift, while a minor change to the overall speed of the film may not matter that much, similar to b&w.

For colour negatives, you could still correct minor colour shifts with your enlarger or have that automatically done in the lab where it is typically done for free anyway.

For slides it is different though. A slide is a slide with no chance of corrections due to the absence of any post processing. (Unless you plan to scan them or enlarge them on reverse paper or so.) The slide itself cannot be corrected in terms of speed (density) and colour. Slides should be kept cold when stored for some years.

And then there are the pro films. Pro films are typically used when ever very constant results in ever repeating processes are required. Such as Portraits in Photo Booth etc., where the operator is not even necessarily well trained. In order to keep constantly reliable results it is strongly recommended storing them at constantly cool temperatures, preferably in dry environments. No need to freeze them either.

Originally by user17711. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user17711

12y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes—refrigerating unused 35mm film is generally a good idea, especially for color film, because cooler, more stable temperatures slow aging.

A year at normal room temperature usually isn’t a big problem, but refrigeration is the safer choice if you want to preserve quality. Color film benefits most, since its dye layers can age unevenly and cause color shifts. Black-and-white film is less sensitive and often keeps well without cooling. Slide film is the most critical, because color shifts are harder to correct later.

To avoid condensation, keep the film in its canister and let it warm to room temperature before opening or loading it—taking it out the night before use is a simple approach.

A frost-free refrigerator is preferred; avoid placing film where it may get too cold or frosty. In short: for up to a year, room temperature may be fine, but the fridge is better, especially for color or slide film.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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