Wine Cellar Cooler -- Film and Chemical Storage

[bwcolor]

I've been keeping my soon to use film and darkroom chemicals in a small refrigerator, but with the temperature set to keep things cool, but not cold. This has resulted in a problem with the freezer not being cold enough and condensation. I just noticed that Costco has a wine cellar cooler, with internal bottle racks and basket for film. Not a bad combination for less that $190. Just thought someone else might find this of use.

 

[notraces]

I got one of these -- in Canada -- so the price is probably 30% cheaper back home in the US -- it's great -- keeps my film and chems at nice 38 degrees...

http://www.sears.ca/product/kenmore-md-33-cu-ft-compact-all-refrigerator/646-000088526-DAR340W

 

[JayGannon]

I use a small tabletop/hotel fridge and have it nice and cold for film only, and some drinks.

Crappy iPhone shot. I'm runnning low (goes off to scour ebay)

Film Fridge by TheFactory21, on Flickr

 

[robbeiflex]

So are you saying I could keep my film in my wine cellar? 😀

 

[bwcolor]

Cooler has worked out nicely. The size, appearance and the relatively quiet function has allowed me to keep it in my theater room, where the small bar area with water serves up the film chemicals and not alcohol.

 

[sepiareverb]

I keep film in a freezer, or a cool part of my basement.

 

[rover]

Keep in mind that the wine cellar, if it is a fancy one, also controls the humidity. How does this effect film, or does it at all?

 

[Clovis]

Well, seeing as how 35mm comes in a (airtight?) plastic can, I'm fairly confident that humidity wouldn't affect the film. Same idea with taking film out of a freezer, there isn't any condensation on the film if you don't open the plastic canister until it warms up to room temperature.

 

[bwcolor]

My main purpose in keeping the cooler is as a home for my chemicals, especially the C41 during the summer months. I have a small refrigerator with freezer, but I found that at the temperature that I wanted, the freezer would constantly drip condensation into the rest of the refrigerator and eventually on to the floor. This until is dry.

I also keep a dozen rolls of assorted film to be used in the near term and exposed film yet to be developed. The rest of the film is in a large freezer.

I doubt that for the price that I paid that humidity is being regulated, but all film is sealed in airtight containers/bags.