Freezing Film

[_larky]

In my extensive experience (2 rolls ) I haven't had a problem either.

But now I've posted this, all the rest will be shagged.

 

[B.J.Scharp]

When I get new film, the unopened bricks of 10 rolls go into the freezer. Bricks that have been `broken' move to the fridge. I then take rolls to use from the fridge. I usually carry several rolls at any time, so they always have plenty of time to get to room-temperature.

Paper is also stored in the fridge, and taken out a few hours before I go into the darkroom (those paper types/size I expect to use). Of the most used paper/size, a single stack is kept in the paper-safe, any spare boxes are kept in the fridge with the rest of the paper.

 

[Freakscene]

I don't see a big deal if the film collects condensation. I move sheet film in and out of the freezer all the time and it's only in a paper bag and a cardboard box. I've never noticed an issue.

There are two manifestations of the same problem. If the water is still there when you shoot, you get a very noticeable dark spot. If the water dries, you get a negligibly noticeable dark spot, that becomes more noticeable the more contrast you need to use, and the larger you print.

If you're not seeing anything, you either are thawing your film in very dry air, or you're not looking closely enough.

Marty

 

[Freakscene]

"Pro film" is more sensitive because it is released quickly after manufacture and maintained (as much as possible anyway) in cold storage - often why you see it in the fridge at your local brick and mortar (remember those?). This ensures consistent color and properties. Regular consumer film is stockpiled, shipped out whenever, and sits on the shelf for X amount of time - basically, it's "aged" (not quite like beef or cheese though, sorry). So there's a certain amount of variation possible.

It is actually the other way around. Pro film is aged until testing or predetermined information (once manufacturing variation was reduced to a negligible level) shows that its spectral response / colour balance was optimised and then it was released with shorter process-by dates. Consumer film is sent out right away and with longer process-by dates.

Marty

 

[ChrisN]

There are two manifestations of the same problem. If the water is still there when you shoot, you get a very noticeable dark spot. If the water dries, you get a negligibly noticeable dark spot, that becomes more noticeable the more contrast you need to use, and the larger you print.

If you're not seeing anything, you either are thawing your film in very dry air, or you're not looking closely enough.

Marty

very dry air = Canberra