Should I buy: 220 Kodak and Fuji?

[Trask]

A local photo lab bought a bunch of 220 color neg film a few years ago for a pro, and he never paid for it, so (reportedly) it has been sitting in the lab's fridge for a few years.

The lab guy noticed I ran some 120 film through, so asked if I wanted to buy the film: 220 Kodak 400VC and Fuji 160S. He pulled some out for me -- it was cold, so I believe that it is refrigerated -- and said he'd like $4 per roll. The Kodak expired in 2009, and the Fuji in 2007.

I've never shot either film, either in 120 or 220, so I'd be interested to know from those who have if they think this is a good deal, or if he's overestimating the market price on somewhat outdated refrigerated film.

He says he's got about a hundred rolls, not that I want that much, but it would give me a chance to try the films. From what I read, I think the 400VC would be of greater interest to me.

 

[Paul Green]

Why not ask to buy a few rolls see if you like them and then purchase what you need/want?

 

[Trask]

Oh, yeah, I can do that, of course. I was more wondering about the suggested price per roll, if those who regularly buy and use somewhat outdated film believe that $4 a pop is reasonable for 220 color neg.

 

[jglass]

I think if you try it and it's good, that price is pretty good. But I bet he would bargain with you if you bought a lot of it. I might even buy some from you for $2 to $3 per roll. Also, check ebay for expired film prices.

 

[MattKing]

Check to make sure that the lab intends to continue processing 220 film.

 

[EdSawyer]

That's overpriced, frankly. You can easily find expired film in the $1/roll range or less with little effort.

-Ed

 

[lxdude]

Yeah, but this film is of known provenance and storage conditions, there's no shipping costs, and it's 220. I'd say the Kodak film will be fine, for sure, and the Fuji, probably. Being color negative, a possible slight color shift would cause no problem. A quantity discount would make it a very nice deal.

 

[nworth]

If it has been well refrigerated, it will be good. Remember, however, that you will have to stabilize this older film after processing. The new process used by the lab does not have the formaldehyde stabilizer that they need. Otherwise, the old and new processes are compatible.

 

[brucemuir]

I can almost guaranty it will be well within correctable color balance due to the storage conditions you cite.
I routinely shoot outdated 120 and 35mm films and the only time I've had an issue was in 2009 I shot some Portra NC that was expired in 2001 and I couldn't verify storage conditions.

I think I also had some Fuji 160S that shifted green one time but I can't recall the exact conditions.

 

[Trask]

Thanks very much. nworth, interesting thought that the processing from approx 2007-2009, when these films were produced, would be different from color neg processing in 2010. When did the change in stabilizer use occur? Or is this pertinent only to 220 because it has a backing on the film.

 

[theoria]

\You can easily find expired film in the $1/roll range or less with little effort.

Where? I'd like to buy some, if available online. On Ebay the minimum price seems to be at ~ $2. You must be very lucky in your part of the world.