freezing film

[presspass]

With film prices rising quickly and some bargains available in short-dated film, I'm considering freezing film. I've never done this before, so I could use some help with a couple of questions.
First, how long can film be frozen and still be good? Is it for an infinite period of time or does freezing just delay the expiration? Should film be frozen inside a plastic freezer bag or just in the boxes it comes in? How long should film be thawed, and under what conditions, before it is used?
Thanks for your help.

 

[lilmsmaggie]

Generally speaking, you'll get better results freezing B&W film. Color film emulsion of faster films seems to be more senstive to color balance shift the longer it is kept past the expiration date.

It also get slower. In other words, a ISO 400 color film emulsion will get slower the longer it is kept. It could lose several stops from the box speed. But your mileage may very. Some people have good luck with expired color film.

Kodak recommends storing unexposed film at 13 degrees C (55 degrees F) or lower.

As far as how it should be stored. If the film is frozen in its original packaging and unopened carton, it should be fine. Although some will place the film inside freezer bags as an extra precaution against moisture and in the event your fridge breaks down.

Not sure if this makes a lot a sense because unless you can vacuum seal the bag before putting it in the fridge, there will be some air/moisture inside.

Thawing: Allow the film to come up to room temperature. At least 1 hour minimum. I generally take film out of the freezer the night before the day I'm going to use it.

 

[jordanstarr]

...a second for everything said above. The only precaution I would suggest is not to overbuy. I bought a ton of medium format film (200+ rolls) that I found on sale a year ago. Then I moved to NYC and started shooting 35mm 95% of the time so its going to sit and expire in the fridge (it will still be good for years as it's always been the fridge). So, if you overbuy, you might not actually be saving money in the long run. However, in Canada, I order bulk from B&H because the local store is nearly twice the price (and over an hour drive away), even after shipping and taxes at the border. I know I should support local, but honestly, I can't afford it for some things.

 

[craygc]

Ive still got some 400+ rolls of Ilford film remaining from about 800 rolls I bought back in 2004 when they hit financial trouble. It still all works fine after defrosting. However, when considering the ongoing electricity costs plus the fact that my dedicated freezer seems to be having some problems and needs replacing all makes you start to question the sanity of doing this.

 

[Fotohuis]

Slow and medium speed films: YES.

Fast films: NO because they will be fogged after expiration data. Iso400+ films will take up cosmic radiation much faster then slow speed films.

Films like APX 25 are even good after 20 years. Only roll films can be a problem over 10 years old because the paper will stick to the emulsion. However 35mm and bulk and sheet film, no problem.

 

[Tom A]

I keep anywhere from 1500 - 2000 rolls in the freezer. Most in 400 ft metal cans (XX) and the rest is a dog'd breakfast of other emulsions.
Over the year I have found that most 400 iso or less films will last from 5-6 year beyond expiry date with no problems. Faster films usually can handle a year or two (Neopan 1600) before you start seeing some incremental fog.
One thing to be careful with is de-thawing it. Leave it outside for at least 12-24 hours - otherwise it is fair chance that you end up getting condensation on it! I cycle film from freezer to fridge when I know that I will be using it in the near future. Move about 100-200 rolls to the fridge and that only needs about 3-4 hours to reach room temperature.
Never know what to put in those "Vegetable Crispers" drawers in the fridge - so they are full of film. In the morning I just grab a handful of rolls and stick them in the pocket. By the time re-load time approaches - the film is nice and toasty.