How Badly Outdated Is Safe?

[DeeCee3]

I came across two rolls of slide film which had been stored (and forgotten) in a desk drawer. One is Kodak Elite Chrome 200, the other is Fuji Provia 100. Both had a suggested "use by" date of 2003 on the box. While not refrigerated neither roll was subject to temperature swings or light or heat.

I'm leaving on a week's holiday tomorrow and would really prefer to shoot slide film as I find it easier and simpler to scan. Trouble is, I've already laid in a supply of Fujicolor.

Anyone care to venture some speculation on how badly age may affect the slide film? And should I cut the ISO/ASA rating or leave it at the nominal 200/100 when I shoot?

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

dc3

 

[bobomoon]

I would wager that there while there won't be a speed loss, there will be a color shift.

 

[venchka]

I've used older film recently without problems. I wouldn't hesitate to use the film. I wouldn't use it for anything critical, like a once in a lifetime situation.

 

[Pablito]

bobomoon is correct. color shift for sure and it may look muddy. don't use it unless you don't care how the photos come out. this is 4 years outdated...and it's slide film

 

[Doug]

Hope you enjoy your vacation! And part of that enjoyment will come from not having problems with outdated film. I suggest you take only fresh film, and reserve the outdated for local use... and even then it's wise to see how the first outdated roll comes out before using a second one!

I'm remembering an overseas vacation six years ago when I took along some outdated Kodak 1000 color neg film. Big mistake; grainy, loss of speed, shift in colors... But I did arrange processing while we were there and caught the problem after a few rolls. It was bad enough that I just discarded all the rest of that batch of film.