ashfaque
Learning
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
(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
Veteran
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
Learning
Marek: Thank for the advice on exposed films. I will definitely be developing the films at the earliest. 
Bests,
Ashfaque
Bests,
Ashfaque
benji77
@R.F.F
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
In Dhaka, there are so many subjects to shoot I dont think you need to worry about your film
OddE
Recovering GAS addict.
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)
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
Learning
@ 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
@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