Topic: Old film in the refridgerator

[DaveO]

     I have some 120 fujicolor film in the frig. It is dated 2004. It is ASA 100. It has been in the frig since I got it. Is the film probably still good? Will it shift colors and ASA value? I bought some new film yesterday, so I don't really need to use the old. I'd hate to use the old and pay $ 16 for processing, printing, and scanning if there is a chance of it being changed. How long does film last in the frig. Should I keep it in the freezer instead to prolong it's life?

DaveO

[Suzi Livingstone]

I'm no expert but I keep all my film in a sealed tub at the back of the fridge. I've used rolls approx 5 years that have been stored that way old and they've been fine. 

I was wondering if I should start start storing it in the freezer too.. hmmm.

[Benjamin J]

The thing that stresses film the most is conatant temperature changes, so it should be fine if it's in the back of the fridge.  It's also slow enough you shouldn't have to worry about gamma ray bursts from space fogging it.

[Francois]

I used my calculating software and came out with an approximate EI of 64.
If you expose it at 100, the colors will most probably come out slightly muddy.
If you expose it at 64, you'll get a slight overexposure which should get the colors back on track.

[DaveO]

Thanks, I may try exposing one of the 120 rolls at 64 and see what happens. I have about 4 rolls of that age film in the frig. The last time I got 120 developed I used Dwayne's and it cost about $ 16.50 or so for a roll eveeloped, printed and low res scan. Don't have anyone local who does this except maybe Walmart who sends the 120 to Dwaynes, I believe. I guess I would save postage both ways though.

DaveO

[Francois]

I know I've been testing my calculator for some time now and find it quite reliable. Next roll I shoot will be the ultimate test using the oldest roll I have in the freezer... expired in 2002

[charles binns]

I've had film in the freezer for years - doesn't seem to damage it at all.  I'm not the most technical of photographers but I'd say your fujicolor will be fine.

[Harvey]

I've got some 1987 vintage Panatomic X waiting for the right subject. I'd guess that the original 32 ASA will be positively supersonic compared to what it's capable of now!

[Francois]

You're in luck 'cause slower film ages slower... (it's mathematical...)
So you should be at about EI 6 by now
Now, that's what I call slow film 

[Harvey]

Thanks Francois, must remember to pack a flask when I decide to take that film out to play then!