Photography film storage and handling.
Film storage and handling is key to getting the photo you want and when you want to take it. In this article, I will run through my thoughts, opinions and results of my research and experience to help you keep your film in good order.
The basics of all photography film:
1. You shouldn’t expose photography film to light
2. You shouldn’t expose photography film to X-rays, CT scanners or microwaves.
3. You shouldn’t expose photography film to moisture or dust.
4. Get photography film developed as soon as possible after exposure.
5. Keeping film in a cool dry place will slow down the degradation.
6. You shouldn't touch the photography film surface with your skin or let it touch any oils or sharp objects.
7. If in doubt ask a professional or better yet contact the manufacture
The differences between formats:
35mm:
This film comes in a light-tight canister and most cameras as you shoot will wind the film out. Then once you are finished shooting you wind it back into the canister. After that, you can remove the exposed film, in its canister, and send it off to the lab. If you are developing at home, then you will need to remove the film from the canister (in the dark) by leaving the lead tab sticking out or by opening the canister using a tool and load the film into a development tank.
120 (medium format roll film):
This film has light-tight backing paper and is rolled on a sprocket. As you shoot you wind it onto another sprocket, then unload and use the sticky tab to stop it from unravelling. After this, you can send it off to the lab. If you want to develop 120 at home you will need to (In the dark) remove the backing paper and load the film into a development tank.
Sheet film (Large Format):
This film comes in a box in a box in a bag. It is not loaded on a device you can load into your camera and shoot. You have to load the raw film into film holders (in the Dark). Then you reverse the process to unload it before sending the film off to the lab. If developing at home you will need to load the film (in the dark) into a development tank.
Long-term storage and stockpiling:
In the elements:
Photography film is very temperature, light and atmosphere-sensitive. So you will need to keep it in a cool dry place but it will not keep forever or possibly not even till its best-before date.
The fridge:
In the fridge, your film (in a freezer bag) will last till or even past its best-before date but will slowly degrade over time.
The Freezer:
In the freezer, your film (in a freezer bag) will theoretically* last forever without degradation (as long as you purchased it new and in date and put it straight in the freezer). You will need to defrost the film before use (allow half a day for defrosting to be safe) and you shouldn’t really re-freeze!
Purchasing/using an expired film:
You do need to be careful as you don’t know how the film has been stored. It is a gamble but it can be worth it to shoot a film that is no longer on the market. Ideally, buy multiple rolls or sheets in an unopened box and shoot a test roll or sheet to check the current condition of the film before freezing so you know what you are getting into (also write on the box what the new Iso value is, if the film has gained sensitivity in its life).
Gaining sensitivity/degradation:
Photography film gains sensitivity/degrades over time (once expired). The general rule of thumb is to add 1 stop per 10 years after expiration.
Many argue, however, that this is only the case for colour-negative films and that other films react differently as they age. It also depends on how it was stored, if it was frozen shortly after production, it may well still be at its native iso. If it was stored in a humid and hot environment it may be unsalvageable. The other thing to consider is the higher the iso the quicker it expires/gains sensitivity. A good rule is to add half a stop extra per stop over 400iso the film is rated at.
B&W photography film: add 1/2 a stop per 10 years after expiration.
Colour-positive film or specialist film: there is no rule to follow, unfortunately. Try to always buy freezer-stored colour-positive or specialist expired film, this will help, but it is not guaranteed. Life is a lottery, be lucky!
Disclaimer:
(This article is my opinion and information, which I have sourced from research and testing. Your film may react differently and I bear no liability. Always consult the manufacturer and abide by all the information provided with the film.)
Note:
*. This is theoretical and may not work in practice! Always assume your film will degrade and do a test first!
