Old Film/Paper

While cleaning up my studio I disocovered I have about 40 rolls of Ilford FP4 and Agfa 100 120 film that is anywhere from 2 to 4 years old plus two packages of 16x20 Agfa MCC 111/118 (unopened) two 1/2 years old. Everything has been stored in subdued no-light conditions and at room temperature or a littel cooler...is it safe to say this material is still usable...

Rusalka said:

While cleaning up my studio I disocovered I have about 40 rolls of Ilford FP4 and Agfa 100 120 film that is anywhere from 2 to 4 years old plus two packages of 16x20 Agfa MCC 111/118 (unopened) two 1/2 years old. Everything has been stored in subdued no-light conditions and at room temperature or a littel cooler...is it safe to say this material is still usable...

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I don't know about "safe". What is the expiration date on the Film? Even if it is 2 to 4 years after that date, it is *probably* OK ... try a roll or two and see what it looks like.

I wouldn't be concerned about the paper. You'll know soon enough when you print with it.

I wrote an e-mail to AGFA back in the spring describing these types of storage conditions. AGFA wrote back saying these conditions are perefectly fine for their b&w films - refrigeration\freezing aren't necessary. They didn't say exactly how long film starts to degrade if not frozein, but the implication was clear that a few years out of date would be perfectly reasonable. Go ahead and use the film without worry. I'd feel the same about the paper.

-Mike

Both the film and paper are probably OK. As suggested, the best way to find out is to test it.