Topic: Freezing exposed film

[choppert]

I know I should get it processed straight away..... but should I freeze it?

Chops

[Francois]

It is the best way to prevent the image from degrading.
Film actually ages faster once exposed (the exposed silver changes form and becomes a lot less stable). That's why they usually say to process promptly on the package.

If it's just waiting for a week, then it's not a problem. But if you plan on processing them much later, freezing the stuff is a good idea. Just make sure you put the film it a sealed container and let it thaw completely before processing. Else it would cause condensation on the film which could cause the image to degrade.

[seekingfocus]

It is the best way to prevent the image from degrading.
Film actually ages faster once exposed (the exposed silver changes form and becomes a lot less stable). That's why they usually say to process promptly on the package.

If it's just waiting for a week, then it's not a problem. But if you plan on processing them much later, freezing the stuff is a good idea. Just make sure you put the film it a sealed container and let it thaw completely before processing. Else it would cause condensation on the film which could cause the image to degrade.

Just how fast???

I've been on extended travels over the last year and a half and have a bunch of film waiting since Oct. 2008!!! I'm back 'home' in July, so hopefully I'll still be able to recover the last two years of travels? It's mostly Provia 100f, with some Kodak 160NC thrown in for fun if it makes any difference...

-Jason

[Francois]

Just how fast???

Well... hard to answer. Of all the stuff I read about freezing exposed film, I can't remember ever seeing anything close to a base number of months or anything like that to govern the decision.

The way I see it, it doesn't hurt to freeze and thaw the film. If it's planned to be in storage for any unknown length of time before processing, I feel it would be wise to just freeze the stuff. It won't prevent ambient radiation from altering the base+fog density but will limit damage caused by heat and chemical vapors.

Just don't forget to put it in a sealed container and remove the film from it only when you're sure it is completely at room temperature.

[Nigel]

Ah! Finally a topic I know something about - or should I say I have the book to refer to. In my 9-5 I design refrigeration systems. The definitive reference on all these subjects says:

"Storage of developed film and paper differs from storage of raw
stock, because the developed materials are no longer photosensitive,
are seldom sealed against moisture, and are generally
stored for much longer periods. Required storage conditions depend
on (1) the value of the records, (2) length of storage time, (3)
whether the films are on nitrate or safety base, (4) whether the paper
base is resin coated, and (5) type of photographic image."

it goes on to say:

"Low temperature (?23 to 10?C) is desirable for film and paper
storage if (1) the relative humidity of the cold air is controlled, and
(2) the material can be sufficiently warmed (for 2 to 8 h) before
opening to prevent moisture condensation. High temperature can
accelerate film shrinkage, which may produce physical distortions
and the fading of dye images. High temperature is also detrimental
to the stability of nitrate film."

If you can be bothered to read the closely typed five pages I've posted them here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/221551/A07_20SI.pdf

Feeling useful!! 

[Francois]

Glad to finally have it from somebody who knows what they're talking about when it comes to freezing film!
Thanks Nigel for bringing a bit of real world technology to the debate