Why freeze film?

[Nokton48]

I'm in the middle of shooting a roll of 70mm Plus-X in one of my Hasselblad backs. Those rolls of film (the original EI80, the good stuff) have an expiration date of 1981 to 1982. The original owner always kept the rolls frozen. I expect it to have a higher fog level than when it was new, but still -very- usuable. Just give it a stop extra exposure, as a starting place.

-Dan, I'm planning to use Microdol-X, since it is a soft-working, solvent-type developer. Should work well in this application.

 

[varjag]

Fiber base paper can withstand decades rather gracefully. I have small batch of 1973 paper that turns out perfect. RC tends to degrade faster.

 

[Superbus_]

I have about 40 forte B&W casettes (100 and 400 iso) in my fridge just because I know they stopped production. So I will be able to shoot this kind of film years after the end of the factory.
The main problem that I can hardly explain to my wife why I'm going to buy ilford and kodak or other B&W film materials. 🙂
I live near to the photo store but It is just easier to have at home the most basic film materials so when you need it quickly, just open the fridge. That is why i have dia, colour negative iso 100, 200 400 films also.

 

[sircarl]

Another question. I've read that freezing color film helps prevent color shifts as the film ages. But then, why freeze black and white film? What degradation occurs if you don't freeze it? Is it as dramatic as with color film?

 

[EmilGil]

Base fog increases with lower effective sensitivity and contrast as a result.