Out of Date Film

[JCJackson]

I have some Plus X and Tmax films dated 2005. They have been stored in the refrigerator since that time. What sorts of problems, if any, should I expect in using these films. Are there any development procedures that are used for out of date materials. I have used some out of date paper, and the problems were visible (extra grainy, blotchy appearance), so I wondered if film deteriorates in similar ways.

 

[Mahler_one]

I would venture to say that the only severe problem could be increased base plus fog. Lower speed film tends to "last better" in the refrigerator than faster film, but these films are only a few years out of date. I would develop in the usual manner, and then observe the negative. If there is more b plus f then you will have to make adjustments as per your film curves.

I am interested in your comments about out of date paper. Was the paper dated? If you've older paper, then simply develop an unexposed sheet to see if background radiation has caused some fog to develop. If so, then the paper is probably ruined.

 

[JCJackson]

The paper in question is Kodak, so that tells you something about the date. Bought cheap on eBay, it was no bargain. Of course, I have no idea how it may have been stored. The defect is most visible in plain, uniform half-tone areas, such as blue sky shot with orange filter. Printing the same negative on fresh paper showed that the stuff in the old yellow box was the problem. I will try your suggested fog test.

 

[clayne]

2005? I doubt you'll notice anything.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I have used Plus-X that expired in 1996, and it was 100% fine. Last year I used Tri-X that expired in 2004, and it was crap.
It depends on how it was stored. I don't think you'll have problems unless they were stored in a car in Arizona since then.

 

[removed account4]

i am using tri x, tmx and tmy that expired between 1996 and 2004
and i don't have any problems at all. none of it was cold stored.

you could always pull a sheet from the box, and process it to see what it looks like...