The right way to store film

[Berndt]

I am certain, that there has been talked about that in several comments in different threads, but I can't exactly recall where and when ... so I hope it to be forgiven, opening an own thread for it ( again ? ).

I consider myself lucky, that I had the chance for buying a few rolls of Kodak Portra 400 VC, which has been discontinued for a while. I don't want to use it immediately and I want to spare it for special occasions ( plus, it's already a little bit expired ). So, the question is: What is the best way to store film for a long time ? I remember, that I read something about "freezer", but I forgot. And if so, are there any special preparations necessary ? My wife instinctively doubted the freezer idea and assumed, that ice crystals might destroy the emulsion/chemicals.

So, where are the experts ?

[mickeyobe]

May 3, 2013 7:30:11 GMT -5 Berndt said:

I am certain, that there has been talked about that in several comments in different threads, but I can't exactly recall where and when ... so I hope it to be forgiven, opening an own thread for it ( again ? ).

I consider myself lucky, that I had the chance for buying a few rolls of Kodak Portra 400 VC, which has been discontinued for a while. I don't want to use it immediately and I want to spare it for special occasions ( plus, it's already a little bit expired ). So, the question is: What is the best way to store film for a long time ? I remember, that I read something about "freezer", but I forgot. And if so, are there any special preparations necessary ? My wife instinctively doubted the freezer idea and assumed, that ice crystals might destroy the emulsion/chemicals.

So, where are the experts ?

This from a certified non expert.

I have stored my films for years in my freezer. Mostly Fujichrome, Fujiclor but also Kodacolor and some black and white films.
I have never had any problems when they were given sufficient time, usually overnight, to warm up.

I have some now that have been frozen for six or seven years. I guess I shouid try a roll.

Mickey

[Berndt]

Thanks Mickey !!! That sounds promising. I found another link in the internet, also telling, that freezing should be okay and actually the best way to keep film for longer periods of time: www.filmforever.org/chap8.html Did you also seal your films in special freezing bags ? I might do that ... just for safety. The lifespan of 100-125 years ( mentioned in this article ) sounds a little bit too optimistic for me, but I will not become that old anyway

[olroy2044]

Berndt, I too have stored my film in the freezer for several years with good results.  I take an additional step, which is probably not necessary, but makes me feel more confident.  I have one of those vacuum packing appliances for storing consumables in the freezer, and I seal my film up with that.  When I buy new film, it gets sealed up, dated, and frozen immediately.  I have Fuji Superia 400 that has been stored this way for better than six years and is still good.  I take it out of the freezer at least 12 hours prior to use, and allow it to come to room temperature before cracking the seal, and have never had a problem.

Roy

[Stephen]

Kodak advised freezing and used it themselves. The film is dry to start with, and the process will not damage film, however as always, there is a caveat, you must warm it up carefully, do not remove from freezer and open, water vapour will condense on it, and ruin the film, so leave sealed up for several hours to get to room temperature before use.
(Posted whilst the previous answer was posted, not wishing to repeat good advice)
Stephen.

[Berndt]

Thanks, everybody !!! I feel confident, giving it a try now.

[lloydy]

I have my own small fridge in the utility room, the only things allowed in my fridge are beer, wine and film.

[mickeyobe]

May 3, 2013 9:05:21 GMT -5 Berndt said:

Thanks Mickey !!! That sounds promising. I found another link in the internet, also telling, that freezing should be okay and actually the best way to keep film for longer periods of time: www.filmforever.org/chap8.html Did you also seal your films in special freezing bags ? I might do that ... just for safety. The lifespan of 100-125 years ( mentioned in this article ) sounds a little bit too optimistic for me, but I will not become that old anyway

I think that films are already hermetically sealed. I do keep them in an ordinary food storage freezer container just so they stay together and don't get mixed up with any edibles.

I do not open the film package until it has warmed overnight.

Mickey

[nikonbob]

Like everyone else has said freezing film will allow you to keep it for an amazingly long time and I think is the best way to preserve slightly out dated film. Personally I have films in my deep freezer that are 10-20 years old and would not hesitate to thaw them out and use them if I felt the urge, have done so in the past.

Leave the film in the original container to thaw to prevent condensation on the film itself just as you would slowly warm your camera gear in the bag after a winter outdoor session.

Bob

[truls]

There is also Kodak Proimage, a film with characteristics similar to Kodak Portra, and is recommended stored in room temperature. It is also way cheaper.

[Stephen]

May 5, 2013 11:46:25 GMT -5 truls said:

There is also Kodak Proimage, a film with characteristics similar to Kodak Portra, and is recommended stored in room temperature. It is also way cheaper.

Pardon the comments, but the Spec sheet says it "can" be stored at room temperatures, but Kodak mean short term storage, a few days, possibly weeks, as it was rated as a colour film to be used as soon as practical, to retain the designed colour characteristics as with all professional film.

There is a massive difference between short term before use storage, and simply "putting the film to sleep", which is achieved by freezing very hard.

Many amateurs would not see the troubles that miss storage causes, loss of speed, colour shift becomes un-predictable, and reciprocity failure point moves. This is brought about by age, temperature and moisture, along with X-rays, and very low light contamination in processing. Pro's pay for stability at all cost, they need film that behaves the same from the first to the last of a batch.

There are no films based on conventional silver technology that will not respond to freezing, as usual the caveat is in fact there were some, Agfa made special Litho emulsions that did not freeze well, they had a massive silver content, and other metallic content, and if frozen, the cut film plates altered the sensitivity, but remained usable with an allowance for the freezing. They had to be slowing frozen, via a fridge first, then frozen slowly, and the reverse when un-frozen.

It is anecdotal, but the old Agfachrome slide emulsion was said to be altered by freezing, and some said that Kodachrome was altered, but there was no technical reason.

Most photographic liquid chemical solutions will also keep if hard frozen, and well sealed from air. Only freeze in plastic bottles, never glass as they expand on freezing. They should be slowly warmed in a fridge and then very slowly to room temperature.

On Kodachrome, there is a hope that an independant US lab is working on supplies of the dyes etc., to make the process available again to process existing stored stock, and even get some new emulsion made.

Stephen

[truls]

I saw the information on Kodaks website:
www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/e4L/e4L.pdf

The film could be stored in room temperature or even worse, in humid climates. Strange or what?

[Stephen]

It's the subtlety of Kodak's advice, they say "can" be room temperature stored, and later state store at 70c "or lower" for best results. It is "designed " to be stored, and use, at higher temperatures, but this does not exclude freezing, just making it easier not to for short term storage.

Stephen.