Freezing Film

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Black and white, slow speed. 80 ASA, etc.

Most of the data sheets from Fuji or Kodak that I have collected either do not specify an actual temp (in the case of the Kodaks) or (in the case of the Fuji colour sheets) they generally suggest below 10C or below 0C for long term storage. The Fuji B&W sheets generally don't mention a specific temperature. Ilford on the other hand (taking a quick look at the FP4 Plus; Pan F Plus; and Delta 100 sheets) simply recommend storing in a cool under 20C or 10C. My own conclusion from this is that storage below 10C is less critical for B&W films than some colour types but equally that below 0C will not harm them; I keep all type in my household freezer without problems so far.
Regards
Brett

 

[mdarnton]

The difference depending on the film speed makes me wonder if freezing does anything at all. I have some TMax3200 that was in my freezer for 12 years, and it's not usable at all. My Tri-X in the same conditions was usable, but severely fogged. I suspect that freezing doesn't "preserve" film in the sens of adding to its life, as much as it protects it from the obvious dangers of too much heat.

At any rate, after my experience, I'm not depending on the freezer for anything except ice cubes.