john6rat
Member
I am looking into shooting some E6 film and new, in dated film is rather expensive, especially as it is just part of my "hobby." I would like your opinon on looking for outdated film. Supposedly, freezer stored Ektachrome is a safe bet, but that has to be noted in the ad. I have seen some really over the top prices for Velvia and I would rather stick with negative film like Ektar, for instance. Agfachrome is really looking old these days.;
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
I would trust "freezer-stored" film if purchasing from a reputable store. I would not trust independent sellers on eBay.
Even if frozen, color film can still exhibit speed loss and color shifts over time, but the time frame is in years. More than five years, and you might see changes.
How important are your images to you? Can you tolerate underexposure and color shifts? This is a question only you can answer, but I won't accept either. Therefore, I never shoot outdated color film that I haven't personally placed in the freezer prior to its expiration date.
I see a lot of bloggers who seem to make it a point of honor to get some kind of image on badly expired film. I don't get it; the fact that the pictures "came out" doesn't mean much, and experiments are worthless in themselves if they can't be controlled.
And yes, I do hear you about the expense! I can only suggest that you shoot carefully and sparingly.
Even if frozen, color film can still exhibit speed loss and color shifts over time, but the time frame is in years. More than five years, and you might see changes.
How important are your images to you? Can you tolerate underexposure and color shifts? This is a question only you can answer, but I won't accept either. Therefore, I never shoot outdated color film that I haven't personally placed in the freezer prior to its expiration date.
I see a lot of bloggers who seem to make it a point of honor to get some kind of image on badly expired film. I don't get it; the fact that the pictures "came out" doesn't mean much, and experiments are worthless in themselves if they can't be controlled.
And yes, I do hear you about the expense! I can only suggest that you shoot carefully and sparingly.
john6rat
Member
Yes, I thought this would be the response. I have had little luck with outdated film. It is just that I miss shooting with some of the slide films from the good old days when I rarely shot print film. Ektacolor Type S or even Vericolor were my favorite print films in the 1970's
Ororaro
Well-known
I went berzerk and purchased 100 rolls expired T64, last month.
I will exploit the shortcomings and that’s it. Hoping for some art.
I will cross process some.
But basically, I just threw money away.
I will exploit the shortcomings and that’s it. Hoping for some art.
I will cross process some.
But basically, I just threw money away.
1936ContaxII
Member
In 1994 I had bought about six or seven Ektachrome 400 HC which were just expired back then. I put them into the freezer at once and kept them in there - almost... During several months they were stored in the fridge only.
In 2018, I exposed the fifth (or sixth) film - still with good results.
In 2023, I exposed the last film. That was too late - the results remind me of the historical Autochrome process from 120 years ago 😂. At least, it did have some kind of charm, I even got a nice winter afternoon photo from Paris, at the Seine river.
With an Ektachrome 100 HC, expired in 2007, and stored outside the fridge most of the time (I found it in my parent's house) I got results which reminded me of early colour experiments from 19th century. Films which have been stored that way are not useful any more - it's a pity.
Sadly, that's true.
I suppose that only films which were kept competely frozen over all the years are worth the risk today.
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
As with many things, if you approach it with low, or zero, expectations, then there will be a higher chance of being pleased. "Always look on the bright side of life!"
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