How to keep B/W papers in freezer

Andrew Moxom · Mar 1, 2007

I have acquired a fairly fresh supply of Agfa multicontrast MCC111 paper that I want to keep in reserve for a rainy day. What is the best way to store paper in a freezer? Would I just place the box of paper into a large freezer bag, or use a foodsaver, or is just in a regular plastic bag tied shut okay? I just want to make sure I do not ruin this batch of hard to come by paper.

Stoo Batchelor · Mar 1, 2007

Hi Andrew

Just as thick a bag as you can get. I just fold the bag over a few times and pop it in. Just enough to keep the moisture out.

Regards

Stoo

Andrew Moxom · Mar 1, 2007

Thanks. I did a search and could not find anything conclusive on how to actually store this paper. Especially for MCC111, which one search showed a large can of worms opened up for this paper!. BTW, I see you are in Hertfordshire. Whereabouts? I lived in Garston/Leavesdon for a while up until 1994 when I moved to Minnesota!

Stoo Batchelor · Mar 1, 2007

Oh right, I'm in Stevenage.

I drive through Garston at least once a week, delivering to the Dome Roundabout Sainsburys and then on to Watford (Dam, its out now, people know I'm a Trucker)

I can't think for one minute why you left!

Stoo

Andrew Moxom · Mar 1, 2007

Great website by the way... I lived on Boundary way...odd looking estate, and only consolation was that it was close to the Kings Head for a pint of Abbot Ale. Anyhoo. I was a member of Harrow camera club and exhibited there quite a bit in the early 90's. Went on Fay Godwin course at Duckspool in 92 (Great opportunity btw). Moved to MN in 94 for work. Glad I left to be honest. Lot of opportunity here, and just resurrecting the large format gear after a 5 year hiatus to get married / kids. Got tons of negs to print, lots to learn about what's been discontinued.

fhovie · Mar 1, 2007

Is keeping paper in a freezer reall a good idea? I always wondered if there was some small moisture level in the fiber and byarta that should not crystalize when frozen or completely dry out - maybe curling and cracking would be more likely.

Stoo Batchelor · Mar 1, 2007

fhovie said:
Is keeping paper in a freezer reall a good idea? I always wondered if there was some small moisture level in the fiber and byarta that should not crystalize when frozen or completely dry out - maybe curling and cracking would be more likely.

Fhovie

I never could say that I am qualified to comment, I only speek as I find/use, and I have always kept a stock in the freezer. As for curling, I pulled a box of Ilfords Fibre paper out only yesterday, and believe me, I thought Ilford had already introduced their stay flat paper. it was lovely to use after a half hour thaw.

Andrew, small world. You have lots of fun ahead, enjoy yourself

Regards

Stoo.

jim appleyard · Mar 1, 2007

When I worked in retail photo, we never ordered much color paper (aside from paper for the mini-lab) and what little we did get went straight into the freezer, no bags, twist-ties--nothin', just the box it came in. There were a couple of pros who used to buy it from us when they came up short and we'd pull the box out of the freezer and hand it to them. No problems were ever reported. Keep in mind that the paper is already in a plastic bag inside the box, but an extra bag outside certainly wouldn't hurt.

John Kasaian · Mar 1, 2007

I put the boxes in a zip lock freezer bag. In case of a power failure (I live in California) & thaw down I don't have to worry about melted frozen food spooge contaminating the box.

dancqu · Mar 1, 2007

fhovie said:
Is keeping paper in a freezer really a good idea?
I always wondered if there was some small moisture
level in the fiber and baryta that should not crystalize
when frozen or completely dry out - maybe curling and
cracking would be more likely.

I wonder too. Freezers drain the moisture from
whatever; freeze dried, freezer burn. Likely better
is the type of storage used for onions and squash;
cool dry. Perhaps the vegetable drawer? Dan

climbabout · Mar 1, 2007

I have some old agfa portriga that I have had frozen for over 20 years - have had no problems whatsoever - wrapped each pack in heavy frezzer tinfoil and taped it closed with freezer tape and then put several packs in a large plastic garbage bag to keep moisture out - paper still prints beautifully.
Tim

papagene · Mar 1, 2007

I'll vouch for the beauty of Tim's prints. They are quite nice.

gene

Petzi · Mar 1, 2007

Andrew Moxom said:
I have acquired a fairly fresh supply of Agfa multicontrast MCC111 paper that I want to keep in reserve for a rainy day. What is the best way to store paper in a freezer? Would I just place the box of paper into a large freezer bag, or use a foodsaver, or is just in a regular plastic bag tied shut okay? I just want to make sure I do not ruin this batch of hard to come by paper.

I believe that keeping it dry is more important than keeping it cold. In fact, I think you could mess it up in a refrigerator, because the moisture level can be rather high there.

Ole · Mar 2, 2007

I treat it just like sheet film - I just put the box in the freezer.

I have some ratty boxes after a power failure a while ago, but film and paper are still good.

tim rudman · Mar 2, 2007

FWIW, I store a lot of paper, both in freezers and fridges (3 of each), and have never yet noticed any emulsion problems as a result. I always double bag them in plastic as a precaution and at least this keeps the boxes OK should there be a power down and thaw, but as the papers are all in plastic inside the boxes, this might not be necessary. I'd rather be safe than sorry though as there are a lot of discontinued favourites stowed away there!
Tim

Robert T. McCarthy · Mar 3, 2007

My hardware store sells rolls of plastic a couple of mills thick. I cover each box with this plastic and use masking tape to seal the seams. This is absolutely necessary for extended paper storage. Two weeks ago I opened a box of 8X10" Kodak Ektalure and it's original box was like new. The paper was perfect.

Regards.

Bob

dancqu · Mar 3, 2007

Whatever way it's stored be sure it warms
up prior to opening. Dan

How to keep B/W papers in freezer

Andrew Moxom

Stoo Batchelor

Andrew Moxom

Stoo Batchelor

Andrew Moxom

fhovie

Stoo Batchelor

jim appleyard

John Kasaian

dancqu

climbabout

papagene

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How to keep B/W papers in freezer

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