Thawing and refreezing film

W_Taylor76

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• May 23, 2020

• #1

I have been out of the film game for quite some time now (10+ years) and I can't remember if I ever heard anything about thawing film that was in the freezer and then refreezing it if it was not used. That being said. Is is okay for b&w film to be thawed and then refrozen if was not used while on a photo trip?

 

MattKing

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• May 23, 2020

• #2

What format film (35mm, 120, sheet film) and how was it packaged both in the freezer and when out?

 

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W_Taylor76

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• May 23, 2020

• #3

120 in original packaging except for two that are in black plastic containers.

 

MattKing

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• May 23, 2020

• #4

I wouldn't refreeze the film in the black plastic containers -there is no certainty that they will have prevented the incursion of moisture.
Check the foil packages very carefully.
I would suggest, however, that unless you don't expect to use the film in the next couple of years, cool, dry storage is probably best, followed by refrigerator storage, followed by storage in the freezer.

 

Alan9940

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• May 24, 2020

• #5

I've thawed and refrozen sheet film for 40 years without issue. Though I freeze 35mm and roll film, too, I tend use what I pull from stock. If I don't use it all, I'll put the film in a ziplock bag and toss into a refrigerator that runs at about 50F. If it's not during the summer months, I'll just leave it in a drawer until needed.

 

Agulliver

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• May 24, 2020

• #6

In it's original packaging, film can be frozen, thawed and refrozen as many times as you like....unlike meat it doesn't suffer from this.

The two caveats are: With 120 film in particular don't freeze or fridge it unless it's in it's protective packets.
For all film types, thaw fully at room temperature before loading into your camera.

 

Sirius Glass

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• May 24, 2020

• #7

As long as the film is in the original packaging including plastic cans, I have never had a problem thawing and refreezing any film. I have been doing this for twenty years.