Storing films in a very humid environment (advice pls)

[ashfaque]

Now that I have bought some films (& still waiting for them), I am thinking I need experts' tips again. So far, I have read Kodak's instructions, a few threads here and on photo.net. Based on my limited understanding, here are the main points to remember:

(1) For 'professional' films, the best solution is to keep them in a fridge if I am planning to use them within the next 6 months and in the freezer if not to be used within next 6 months.
(2) Before using, I should always let the fridge-/freeze-stored films reach the room temperature.
(2) Considering I am in Dhaka now, temperature and humidity could be a big problem, especially for films that need to be treated like 'Professional' film.
(3) All films should be kept in ziplock plastic bags in small batches (10-15 rolls per bag) after taking as much air out as possible (, perhaps by using a straw). Then putting them in a fridge/freezer.
(4) I should not break the plastic seal of any 120 film and plastic cannister of 35 mm roll.

However I have a few questions:

Q1: Kodak says in that above mentioned link "... However, avoid storage at relative humidities of 60 % or above. Such high humidities can damage labels and cartons (from moisture and mold) and can rust the cans." I will be in Dhaka for the next few months. According to my experience the humidity and temperature will relatively be lot higher - at least 80%+ humidity , and 27-37 degree Celcius for the next 3-4 months. For e.g., have a look at this. Does this mean I should store them in freezer without the cannister (for 35mm)?

Q2: Should I keep those zip locked film bags inside an air tight plastic box before putting them in the freezer?
Q3: Can I open the zip locked bag immediately after taking it out or should I wait for it to reach the room temperature?
Q4: I have a few bulk rolls (of ISO 400, 100, 80 and 25). Can I store these bulk in the fridge/freezer as they are? Or do I need to do something different?

Please correct me if I am wrong about anything above and kindly share any tips you may have for me in relation to such high temperature and humidity.

Sorry if I sound too much worried. The humidity down here can be a problem for many other things

Best regards,

Ashfaque

 

[mfogiel]

Unless you are talking about high speed colour film or 3200 B&W, all the relevant information is sort of an overkill. My rule is simple: beyond a few rolls I need for the day, everything else sits in the freezer, in normal boxes. Freezer eliminates air humidity anyway. In hot temperatures, any film will be ready to use 30-60 minutes after taking it out. Another rule: after shooting, put the films into the freezer again, in tightly locked bags or plastic boxes, until ready to develop.

 

[ashfaque]

Marek: Thank for the advice on exposed films. I will definitely be developing the films at the earliest. 🙂

Bests,

Ashfaque

 

[benji77]

Hi, where I am from (Singapore), our average humidity is about 80% everyday, every year. I store the main bulk of film in the fridge, with a few rolls in the drawer for easy access.

In Dhaka, there are so many subjects to shoot I dont think you need to worry about your film 🙂

 

[OddE]

Hi,

a) The colder the air, the less moisture it can hold; the air in the freezer will be very, very dry anyway.

b) Yes, it should be allowed to reach room temperature before you attempt to use it; around here, I don't have any humidity problems, but my guess would be that allowing it to reach room temperature in the bag before opening it would be best - if you take a cold object into a humid environment, condensation will form on the surface. If you are going to be _really_ careful, (again, my guess) you'd probably be best off by putting the film cans in the ziplock bag AFTER both have been allowed to cool a bit in the freezer; that will ensure whatever residual air is left inside the bag will be as dry as possible.

c) Most importantly - don't worry too much; as mfogiel says above - you'd be amazed at how much abuse film can take and still provide excellent prints. (Not that abuse is something you should strive for, of course)

 

[ashfaque]

@ Benjamin and Odd: Thank you both very much for your sharing your experience and tips.

@Benjamin: Indeed. Dhaka is a very interesting city to say the least. Re the bulk roll: do you empty the whole bulk by feeling empty cassettes - or just as many as you need and then put back the rest of it in the fridge?

Thanks again. 🙂

Ashfaque