Ilford VC filters

[sanmich]

Hi

I may want to print again after a long hiatus.
I know that paper needs to be relatively fresh, and that powder chemicals have pretty much no expiration dates.
But how about gelatin filters?
I have a set of Ilford filters, and I remember having heard that their color is shifting with time (or was it with use?)

Any experience/knowledge about this?

Thanks!

 

[valdas]

I used such filters for about 10 years (although infrequently) and did not notice any changes. Others may have different experience.

 

[Roger Hicks]

They don't seem to go off while not being used, but they may conceivably fade with prolonged exposure to light. If they do, I suspect that changes are normally trivial.

Cheers,

R.

 

[D.O'K.]

I had a set years ago which faded dramatically despite little use--so badly they had to be replaced. However the replacements have now lasted c.20 years, with much more use than their predecessors, and show no signs of change.

Both sets were kept in the same place and under similar conditions. Discuss!

Regards,
D.

PS: the fading was patchy and erratic, as though some spillage or other contaminant had got to them, even though it hadn't (to my knowledge).