too freeze or not to freeze

dxphoto

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Nov 25, 2005

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35mm

• Apr 24, 2007

• #1

I bought some expired slides film (Sensia 400, 02/2007). I don't shoot much color so I am thinking should I just freeze them up.

Usually, I dont freeze any of my films (b/w or color). I put them in the bottom of my fridge -- the drawer for vegis. the temperature there is around 35F. Is it good enough as a general rule? I heard all pro films are aged for the best color balance and speed.
And how long do I need to thaw the frozen film before I use them?

BTW, how do you compare Sensia 400 (cheaper?) and Provia 400?

thanks.

 

Sirius Glass

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Jan 18, 2007

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• Apr 24, 2007

• #2

Short term => refrigerator
Long term => freezer

I was told by a long time Kodak employee that by freezing unopened film it can last 10+ years. [Usual recommendation that the film goes in a plastic bag on removing from the freezer to avoid condensation while it warms up.]

I do not have specific information on the longevity of film life by film type.

Steve

 

Doyle Thomas

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Oct 28, 2006

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VANCOUVER, W

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• Apr 24, 2007

• #3

Something interesting I discovered with Kodachrome years ago. If you freeze the film after exposure for a few days it seems to improve the saturation!

Doyle

 

Woolliscroft

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Oct 22, 2004

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• Apr 25, 2007

• #4

Why bother with a vacuum bag? The packaging is already air tight and you will only be protecting the cardboard outer pack. But yes freeze.

David.

 

Bob Carnie

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toronto

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• Apr 25, 2007

• #5

I am under the impression that it is not a good idea to freeze polaroid 665 pos / neg film.
I am not sure why, I was told that the freezing affects the emulsion, does anyone have any suggestions?

 

AgX

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• Apr 25, 2007

• #6

Bob Carnie said:

I am under the impression that it is not a good idea to freeze polaroid 665 pos / neg film.
I am not sure why, I was told that the freezing affects the emulsion, does anyone have any suggestions?

Click to expand...

Freezing can be considered of having a positive effect of the keeping of ALL photographic emulsions. As far as they are dry, which is the standard anyway.

All Polaroid Instant materials however have in addition a pot/bladder containing WET processing chemicals. Freezing them could in principle lead to crystallisation, increase of volume. (In such cases always ask the very manufacturer if freezing could have advert effects.)
The 8x10 Polaroid materials are used with the negative film and the receptive sheets (w. bladder) apart. Here of course you could freeze the negative films on their own.