Film storage

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Fat Sam - 15 Sep 2007 14:12 GMT

I know film should be kept cold, but should I keep it in a fridge or a
freezer? Just how cold should it be kept?

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Pat - 15 Sep 2007 17:43 GMT

On Sep 15, 9:12 am, "Fat Sam" <samandja...@knox.orangehome.co.uk>
wrote:

> I know film should be kept cold, but should I keep it in a fridge or a
> freezer? Just how cold should it be kept?

I've stored it both ways, but generally in the fridge, but it really
depends on how long you're keeping it and what type of film it is. If
you're using it next week, usually there's not much point to it.

More important than storing it is warming it. Before you store it,
make sure it is well wrapped in plastic -- something like a couple of
zip-lock bags. Then, warm it in the bags and warm it slowly -- you
don't want any condensation inside the film canisters.

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Rob Morley - 17 Sep 2007 09:52 GMT

using it next week, usually there's not much point to it.

> More important than storing it is warming it. Before you store it,
> make sure it is well wrapped in plastic -- something like a couple of
> zip-lock bags. Then, warm it in the bags and warm it slowly -- you
> don't want any condensation inside the film canisters.

It doesn't matter whether it's warmed quickly or slowly, what does
matter is that it's warmed right through before you unseal it.

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ggomezphoto - 27 Sep 2007 15:43 GMT

> In article <1189874584.860243.207...@y42g2000hsy.googlegroups.com>, Pat
> gro...@artisticphotography.us says...
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> It doesn't matter whether it's warmed quickly or slowly, what does
> matter is that it's warmed right through before you unseal it.

I heard that Ernst Haas kept his Kodachrome in the trunk of his car.

I am not recommending that!

Gerry

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dadiOH - 15 Sep 2007 21:06 GMT

> I know film should be kept cold, but should I keep it in a fridge
> or a freezer? Just how cold should it be kept?

What kind of film are you talking about? If it is a *professional*
color film then either (I always used fridge but used it pretty fast).
Anything else and it is pointless to refrigerate it.

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ray - 15 Sep 2007 21:49 GMT

>> I know film should be kept cold, but should I keep it in a fridge
>> or a freezer? Just how cold should it be kept?
>
> What kind of film are you talking about? If it is a *professional*
> color film then either (I always used fridge but used it pretty fast).
> Anything else and it is pointless to refrigerate it.

Out of curiosity, what else would there be?

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Ken Hart - 15 Sep 2007 22:35 GMT

>>> I know film should be kept cold, but should I keep it in a fridge
>>> or a freezer? Just how cold should it be kept?
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Out of curiosity, what else would there be?

He is probably referring to amatuer or cinsumer grade film. Color film
'ages' until it is processed. Professional type films are 'pre-aged' and
ready to shoot when they are sold, so they should be kept refrigereated (or
frozen) until use. Consumer type films are designed to age on the store's
shelf. The manufacturer has taken into consideration how long the average
roll of film will set on the shelf (and the glovebox of the customer's car!)
and designed the aging into it.

All this isn't really a big deal. When the film is printed, the part-timer
running the one hour photo machine at Walmart will make the colors whatever
he thinks looks cool anyway. Only those who know what a gray card is and how
to use it should really care.

The more important issue is how to take the film out of the refrigerator--
it must come up to room temperature before the sealed container is opened,
otherwise condensation may form on the film.

All my film is in the 'frig, and frostbite armpits is a very common thing!

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Anthony Zipple - 17 Sep 2007 01:34 GMT

Freezing is overkill. If you keep it for weeks at a time, it can not hurt to
put it in the fridge and warm it carefully before use. I used to do it, but
for most film, could never tell the difference. I finally stopped when the
possible value was trumped by an annoyed spouse

>I know film should be kept cold, but should I keep it in a fridge or a
>freezer? Just how cold should it be kept?

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