Processing film 7-9 years old

PeteZ8 · Aug 2, 2009

I have some throw away's that I never had processed from 2001-2003 area. They have most definately been stored in a rather eclectic mix of temperatures, with most of them being in a somewhat stable attached garage (never saw 90+ temps, probably saw 30's at the other end).

Drop these off at the local drugstore or should these get special handling from a pro lab?

PeteZ8 · Aug 2, 2009

One bonus; they have been in a metal toolbox most of their lives thus hopefully shielded from cosmic death rays.

brofkand · Aug 2, 2009

If they're just throw-aways, drop them off at Wal-Mart or Walgreens.

I'm not really sure how much a pro lab is going to help, since the developing of the film is all the same regardless of where you go (c-41 is standardized times, temps, agitation, etc). The pro lab will probably take more care against scratching or exposing your negatives before/after development, but that's probably about it.

I could be wrong, but I don't see a big reason to go to a pro lab to develop negatives. Prints are a different story; they're more likely to take the time to examine each negative and with an eye that has years of experience make a darn good print.

Christopher Walrath · Aug 2, 2009

Wirelessly posted (BBBold: BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.167 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

I would have a single roll processed. Observe the results and inform accordingly for the remainder when you have them done. Essentially, you're having them test a roll for you.

nickandre · Aug 3, 2009

There's not much in the means of process modification you can do for C41. Just process it all normally. You'll still get good images unless there's water damage etc.

removed account4 · Aug 3, 2009

hi pete

the only thing a pro lab is going to handle special in this case is your wallet!

john

MattKing · Aug 4, 2009

I don't normally disagree with John, but...

A pro lab might just have a printer operator who has extra experience with over-riding the automatic settings and adjusting the colour balance when printing from old and deteriorated film.

But you cannot count on it .

Matt

Processing film 7-9 years old

PeteZ8

PeteZ8

brofkand

Christopher Walrath

nickandre

removed account4

MattKing

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