Expired Polaroid 55 - Shelf Life

Shangheye · Jun 20, 2008

I have four boxes left of Polaroid 55 due to expire at the end of June. I bought them just prior to the announcement (I had insider info of the disconitinuation and bought 6 boxes). The main puprose was to make sure that I had some for a commission I have in South Australia this Autumn (Early October). Will the Polaroids be OK for the three months after expirey?

I guess the optimum storage conditions are cool, but not freezing? I am also keeping them in a relatively non-humid environment, but not dry. They are fully boxed and sealed.

I would be happy if they survived thorugh till then/November.

Thanks for any advice.

Rgds, kal

df cardwell · Jun 20, 2008

Polaroid's expiration date is timed to the minute.

Are you lucky ? If it's a commission,
use something else.

Shangheye · Jun 20, 2008

OK, thanks for the feedback. Will be taking quickloads and my sheet film also...but nothing quite like that instant feedback...I will take a couple of boxes and see what comes out. K

PHOTOTONE · Jun 20, 2008

If you are using "expired" polaroid for testing only, I wouldn't hesitate to use out-of-date films. I regularly do this myself...just for testing. What usually happens on old Polaroid film is the developer pod dries out some, and there isn't enough "gel" to get a complete spread across the face of the image, so you have non-developed parts, and unless the film is really ancient, there is plenty of image left to evaluate exposure and sharpness. If your recently expired film is still sealed in the foil covered box, then it should be fine, and the main deterioration comes after you break the seal on the foil. Once you break the seal on the factory packaging (not the pasteboard outer box, but the inner foil sealed tray of films, then you should use up within a few months.

keithwms · Jun 20, 2008

I am still using expired (but refrigerated) 665 from years ago... no problems. After removing a box of 665 or 55 from the fridge and bringing it up to temperature, I do try to use up the box within a week or two.

So, I'd say, just refrigerate your stuff if you don't plan to use it by the exp date, and it'll probably be just fine. If you find that you have pod issues then just start tray developing. The film itself will last ages if stored properly; it's the pods that go south.

sun of sand · Jun 20, 2008

is 55 the stuff to use for testing? Why not use 100 speed. pricey test prints

has polaroid ever made the type 55 without print ..as in just a "readyload" of the film? that would be neat to have.

Alex Hawley · Jun 20, 2008

I know I have used Type 55 for up to 2 years past expiration. If kept refrigerated, it shouldn't be a problem. Never freeze it. Freezing ruins the chemical pods.

PHOTOTONE · Jun 20, 2008

sun of sand said:
is 55 the stuff to use for testing? Why not use 100 speed. pricey test prints

has polaroid ever made the type 55 without print ..as in just a "readyload" of the film? that would be neat to have.

Polaroid never made any b/w readyloads. They did market a Polachrome E-6 transparency readyload, which was actually Fuji RDP.

Fuji does make a 4x5 b/w pack film FP-100b45. ISO 100. Just a print, no negative, but you would need a polaroid or fuji pack-film back, you can't use the same back you use for Type 55. Polaroid did make quite a large array of b/w print materials in instant format without a useable negative...all gone now.
Fuji also makes a Fuji Neopan Acros readyload. Beautiful film.

frotog · Jun 21, 2008

df cardwell said:
Polaroid's expiration date is timed to the minute.

Are you lucky ? If it's a commission,
use something else.

Actually, no, type 55 has a long life past it's expiration date. Of all the polaroid it is the most forgiving in this regard. I just shot some 55 that's three years past expiration and the negative processed beautifully with no noticeable streaking or any of the other problems associated with dried up, or drying up polaroid chemistry pods.

df cardwell · Jun 21, 2008

type 55 has a long life past it's expiration date

What can I say ? You guys are luckier than I ever was. When you have consistent experience
over many years that indicates the stuff is a poor bet for shooting after expiry date,
how much more can you say ? It is moot now, I guess.

Colin Corneau · Jun 21, 2008

Related note: is there any stores still selling this film?

I have 2 boxes, wouldn't mind getting even one more.

Guillaume Zuili · Jun 22, 2008

Kal,

You love that film and use it very well. You know as well that 55 is a very capricious one
You should play with these possible flaws and it can be beautiful. I love it.
But you need to have a back up for your client... :-( who might not understand the beauty of these flaws... !!!

G.

PS: I store 665 with expiration from 2001 and up to 08. Very interesting stuff...
Old opened 55 box in the house, in the californian heat... no problem.

Your bet (and vibes)

Shangheye · Jul 3, 2008

Definitely taking a back-up...not worth the risk..totally agree Guillaume. K

Bill Mitchell · Jul 3, 2008

Polaroid films are incredibly variable in their life span, even when kept under "ideal" conditions. I have a half-box of 55 which seems fine more than 5 years after exiration, while I've also had some which was defective before the exp date. Like the Irish say: "hope for the best and expect the worst."

Expired Polaroid 55 - Shelf Life

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