Expired slide film

Markus B · Jul 31, 2007

Hello.

I have got the chance to buy a lot of cheap slide (and some b/w) film which expired in late 2005. The film has been stored in a refrigerator so I'm pretty sure that the B/W film will be almost as good as new. So the question is if refrigerator-stored slide film that expired two years ago still will be as useable as new film or not? and will it be useable in two years if I store them in the freezer?

/Markus

Snapshot · Jul 31, 2007

I've had no difficulty with expired film, slide or otherwise as long it has been correctly stored. Since it was in cool storage in all likelihood shooting with the film will not be problematic. However, there is no guarantee that it will work flawlessly. I would go ahead an shoot it in non-critical applications.

Akki14 · Jul 31, 2007

I use some RSXII 200 which is out of date. Stuff still comes back looking lovely. I'd take it at a discount because there's always a chance it could be bad but it's most likely very good.

copake_ham · Jul 31, 2007

Two years out of date doesn't sound so bad. But I think what you have to ask yourself is what will be your usage rate?

If you're talking say 100 rolls and you shoot two rolls a week - then I'd say go for it.

But if you only shoot two rolls a month - then some of that stuff will get pretty long in the tooth before you get to it.

Markus B · Jul 31, 2007

"A lot" was in perspective to how much use. It was 14 slide films and 10 b/w. However unfortunately (for me) some other guy got them before me.

imazursky · Aug 5, 2007

I regularly use slide, neg and B&W neg film that is over 5 or more years old.
Mostly they are ok.
In my experience, chrome film if properly stored is good for up to 4 years with no ill effect. Over that, you have to run a couple of sheets or rolls to see.
B&W neg is a whole different game. I have used some that is over 25 years old and its great. It have a slight base fog but that adds to the look. Over 25 years and it a crap shoot. I have some nitrate based sheet film from the 40's. I can barely get an image but it looks cool.

2005 film are babies. I would have no problem using them. But i would stress that you need to run some and see.

-ian

PhotoJim · Aug 5, 2007

You could have frozen them and kept them basically stable as well. If your initial tests had shown that the film was fine, you could keep it there for probably five years, which would be lots of time.

I buy my slide film in pro packs (20 rolls at a time) and I freeze it. I see no discernable difference between rolls 1 and 20, even though it sometimes takes me a couple of years to get through the box.

sienarot · Aug 11, 2007

I've used expired slide film (Fuji 64T, to be exact) that was 9 years past its due. Didn't have any problems, which suggested it was likely frozen for most of its shelf life.

radiantdarkroom · Aug 11, 2007

Well if it's 10 years plus don't bother, you will be disappointed.

Expired slide film

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