This is what happens when the fridge isn't on after 3 years

[MikeM1977]

It is the majority of my processed 4x5 work when I was active shooting 4x5 for 3 years.

 

[Vaughn]

Bummer, Mike!

I have lost matted dry-mounted prints due to mold and from ants, but not negatives!

But perhaps wash them and perhaps salvage some memories from them.

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

This actually turned out to be a tragedy. I have no clue why I would have put those boxes in that fridge.

Only just saw the photo of the mess. If I opened the fridge door and saw that, I reckon, like many occasions, a feeling of horror then resignation would engulf me. Then slam the door shut and destroy the entire caboodle.

I have been wondering all along why you put the boxes in the fridge. Yes, the tragedy is just too awful to contemplate; I do feel for your loss. But life is too short to be concerned with a few boxes of film. Turn around, chin up and move along. In time, it will fade to a memory.

 

[bence8810]

I'd wash those negatives in luke warm water - then photoflo and hang them dry. If it hadn't eaten itself into the surface, you'll be able to salvage some or all!

Ben

 

[Andre Noble]

Bro, feel for you. We have all done sonething we regret and lost films.. Next Time Use ...

Use https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...alware_PL14103_Proline_Sheet_Film_Sleeve.html
and https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ile_PF454HBPOL_Archival_Storage_Page_for.html

Together. Also keep in air conditioned space.

 

[MikeM1977]

Bro, feel for you. We have all done sonething we regret and lost films.. Next Time Use ...

Use https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...alware_PL14103_Proline_Sheet_Film_Sleeve.html
and https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ile_PF454HBPOL_Archival_Storage_Page_for.html

Together. Also keep in air conditioned space.

They were all in archival sleaves. The color are mostly destroyed. The B&W are generally OK in the middle of the sheet but are being eaten away. Examples:

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Oh, they're a mess all right- but they could be interesting in themselves as damaged images. I'd give printing some of them a try before categorically tossing it all.

 

[bence8810]

Sorry - they indeed look beyond repair. Still I wouldn't throw them - clean hand to dry and keep as memory.

 

[StephenT]

Sorry about that Mike. In the hustle and confusion of a move, it's quite understandable how they could have been put in the fridge along with the unexposed film.

 

[megzdad81]

I never thought of insuring my film freezer's contents -- I will check it out. What should I expect for $20K?