Hi everyone. I recently found a 100 ft. bulk roll of Velvia 50 in 35mm format expired 1999 but refrigerated. If I do my math right, I should be able to get around 20 rolls of 36 exposure and 30(?) rolls of 24 exposure. So that's about $3.50 per roll. Is it worth taking the risk of expired film (again, refrigerated) and the hassle or dust, scratches, and maybe light leaks?
Actually you'll find that, practically speaking, you can squeeze about 18 rolls of 36-exposure from a 100-foot bulk roll. And less if you like to fill short rolls (less than 36). The leaders take up more than you might think, even if you are careful to minimize them.
In the past I've bulk loaded large amounts of 35mm b&w and never had a problem with dust, scratches, or light leaks. But then I'm pretty careful. YMMV...
You wont know until you test it. I got some expired Provia 100f, but only exp in 2006 in 220 for cheap, seller said it's only useful for loading practice etc, but it came out fine even without modification.