high temp film storage

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audiopile

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So I recently acquired a Contax G-1 and a couple of lenses and have been very merrily trying out film again. My preferred case is a old .50 ammo can that looks non-descript enough to be left in the view (and within my reach) in the vehicle. I have quickly realized that digital has spoiled me - I can pretty much leave my my digi stuff to bake -may not be really good for it -but as long as it still works -it works.
Had a real "DUH" moment a few days ago when I pulled the Contax out and it was too hot to touch! Ok - the point is to have a nice handy camera right where I can get at it. So - how long can I bake colour film in the car before it becomes "different" in terms of balance/saturation?Are any particular colour films more tolerant of this kind of abuse?
With B&W -are they more stable than colour at high temperatures? Are conventional process B&W films better than E-6 process films if you're going to bake 'em before using 'em?
 
Probably your best bet is a fresh, slow B&W film like plus x. But don't be surprised if your batteries die a premature death or if you melt the lubricants in your equipment. Baking is a very bad idea.

...as long as it still works....

don't count on it working for long....
 
You need to keep the camera and film effectively below about 110 F or so. So: put it in the shade under the seat, put it in a neoprene bag to insulate. Keep it and the car out of the sun. Keep your car in the shade (summer sun). Keep your windows cracked a bit to exchange some of that heat.


Or if you would just get the new Prius III with the sunroof electric array you can cool your car by sunpower and leave it out in the Australian outback even in the southern Christmas season (HOOOOT).

Enough advice? Think about what you are doing ...
 
High temperatures are death for color film, as well as for lubricants in the camera. I had a student with a cheap Nikon zoom lens which fell apart inside after getting left in the car. Turns out the lens elements were assembled with tape.

I carry a camera with me everywhere, a G1 isn't so big it would often get in the way unless you're a spelunker.
 
urban spelunker -that's me

urban spelunker -that's me

Unfortunately (especially at my age) urban spelunker pretty much describes too many of my work days. I crawl under folks floors and over and thru their ceilings/attics. Although less year to year - I still spend about 20% of my time working in the kind of high crime neighbourhoods where walking around with a camera is simply asking to get robed. Carrying the camera with me while I work is a non-starter.
FWIW -my EOS Rebel XT has put up with high temp storage for years - I do use mostly old L lenses -not sure this makes any difference ?
So - the Contax G-1 probably needs to be babied a bit. BTW- those lenses really are as nice as people say.
Has anybody got any long term (year or two) experience with high temp long term storage of Epson RD-1 or Sigma DP-2 digi cameras ?
 
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