how much longer does expired film last?

[HLing]

If the expiration date is 12/2011, how much longer can I use it? This is the Fuji 3000b peel apart instant film going for $8.99 for a pack.

 

[Robert Lai]

I wouldn't worry about it. I've been using the same stuff, which expired about 6 months ago.

I'm finishing off the last roll of Fuji 800 film in 120. It's about 3 years out of date, but still good, and still up to speed.

 

[HLing]

Cool! Thanks! I'm going to get more while the price is good then.

 

[arnulf]

I'm also interested in this subject. Just found a bunch of Tri-x (haven't shot film in ages) that exprired between 2010 and 2011 and I'm wondering whether it's ok to use them. What exactly will happen when it goes out of date?

 

[gliderbee]

I've used HP5 that I don't even know the date of, but it's certainly expired for at least 1.5 year (that's how long I have it) and doing fine, no problem.

Stefan.

 

[Robert Lai]

I'm also still using in 2012 Fuji Provia 100F, stored unrefrigerated, which expired in 2004. Colors still look good! I think Fuji films are invincible!

 

[valdas]

I have just developed and scanned Konica Centuria, best before 1996 🙂
Maybe slight increase in grain, but otherwise looks really good. I would not worry at all about recently expired B&W film.

 

[Terry Christian]

Don't even start worrying about B&W film until it's a couple of decades old at least. Then you might start seeing some fogging and loss of speed. Color negative and slide films are more sensitive and you may get color shifts after a few years.

The expiration doesn't mean the film is going bad, necessarily, just that the manufacturer will not guarantee the quality after that date.

 

[john neal]

I have some Kodak R60 that is so old that Kodak don't even remember making it! Date on the tin is either 1968 or 1972 (oh, my memory, where did it go?). Exposed at 50 ASA and developed carefully in D76 it still gives usable period negatives.

Colour film doesn't last that long, but 3 or 4 years should be OK if it is kept cool, then you will probably see noticeable colour shift.

 

[Tom hicks]

color film 10 years expired , a little color shift but still workable.

 

[filmtwit]

I spent last summer shooting 15 year old Plus-X
No problems what so ever.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Manufacturers are rather conservative with their expiry dates. The real expiry is usually 6-12 months after the imprinted date. Anyhow film degrades gradually and slowly so it should be usable for a few years more, depending on your standards. I personally wouldn't buy any expired film, but I have in the fridge quite a few expired rolls that I have no hesitation to use for important shoots.

 

[Thomas78]

Here one example done with Kodak TMX I got in the mid 1990's because it was expired:


Perkeo IIIe_TMX 100_03_009 von thomas.78 auf Flickr

And one with PAN F expired 1986:


Leica III bl_Elmar 50 3,5_01_Ilford PAN F_001 von thomas.78 auf Flickr






Both were kept in the fridge, shot and developed this year.

 

[kuzano]

Refrigerate....refrigerate...

Refrigerate....refrigerate...

I'm shooting various brands, emulsions, color, and BW. in Medium format and 4X5. Dates back to the mid 1990's. Kept in a freezer until the day before shooting.

No problems.

I had some 110 cassettes. No history, dates back to mid 90's, must have been stored hot somewhere. much color shift on the color.

I buy almost ALL my film on eBay, but I restrict my purchasing to those who primarily sell film, who state they refrigerate, and who have TONS of feedback at no less than 99.7 positive. If they do not have 100%, I try to look at the problems on each of their negative feedbacks. I don't go back all the way on someone with 10,000 feedbacks, but will look back a year or two.

Feedback on eBay is like Herpes. You can't get rid of it, good or bad, unless you start over with a new account.