Loading frozen film ok?

[Tony-S]

I'm pretty sure the answer is "yes", but is it ok to take my bulk film loader out of the freezer and load a roll of film without letting it thaw?

 

[tony lockerbie]

I don't imagine it would be a good idea. I personally don't freeze my film, but do refridgerate it, and even then I allow a good couple of hours to warm up to ambient. Although I can't confirm it, I would imagine that the main problem would be condensation, especially if the ambient is quite warm/humid, just like the beer bottle when you first take it out of the 'fridge. The common consensus is to allow plenty of time for the film to return to room temp before loading it into cassettes or the camera. Those moe enlightened Apuggers may know more reasons than I have listed.
Tony

 

[chimneyfinder]

What's the hurry ? I don't think the emulsion would stand the stress and subsequent moisture once rolled. Might be wrong, let us know.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Next time put the bulk loader in a sealed plastic bag first to avoid condensation the next time it is removed from the freezer.

Give the film time to get to room temperature loading. Then you should be good to go!

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

I have been trying to get condensation damage on film by taking it straight from the freezer to the camera or film holder. No joy. No matter how egregious my technique, condensation damage of any sort refuses to appear.

I have come to the conclusion that all the fuss about letting film thaw is superstition, not fact.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

The APUGers are all correct. Be patient and it will pay off. You maybe sorry later if condensation causes problems.

 

[Sonicmook56]

I don't wait and I've never had a problem. My film is refrigerated, not frozen tho.

 

[SMBooth]

Ive ruined some 4x5 sheets by pulling them apart while partly frozen, the emulsion can/may stick to the back of the layer under it.

 

[JBrunner]

I have been trying to get condensation damage on film by taking it straight from the freezer to the camera or film holder. No joy. No matter how egregious my technique, condensation damage of any sort refuses to appear.

I have come to the conclusion that all the fuss about letting film thaw is superstition, not fact.

It isn't. Had a motion picture roll ruined by condensation.Got away with it a few times, then blamo, expensive lesson served on a platter.

 

[benjiboy]

I'm pretty sure the answer is "yes", but is it ok to take my bulk film loader out of the freezer and load a roll of film without letting it thaw?

I've never heard of keeping bulk film loaders in the freezer, you're supposed to load it into reloadable cassettes first then freeze them.

 

[BetterSense]

I routinely take rolls of film directly from the freezer to the camera. I also load 4x5 sheets directly out of the freezer into holders. I have yet to have a problem.

 

[Tony-S]

I tried to roll a roll this morning, straight out of the freezer. The film broke as soon as I started to spool it. I guess was frozen solid. After letting it set out all day it worked fine. Looks like I'll be keeping it in the refrigerator.

 

[richard ide]

Why even consider running the risk of a problem? Kodak has published recommended times regarding film storage and thawing various formats before opening a package. My large rolls are not opened for 48 hours.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Unless you live in a particularly dry climate or you're taking the film from the freezer outdoors in the winter, when it's likely to be as cold as or colder than the freezer, then it's a bad idea to expose the film straight from the freezer to warm air.