Expired Film

[AMClvsMKY]

I was given a bag of expired film by a co-worker. She says it will be fine as long as I freeze it until I am ready to use it. Does anyone else use expired film? Does that work?? How long can it stay frozen and still be used?? If so, how long does it need to "defrost" before it can be used?

Thanks!

 

[Sonya]

If it's nothing VERY important expired film is OK. Think of bananas. Your banana is starting to turn black but is still yellow, providing the film isn't a year over it's expired date.
Keep it in the freezer but thaw it a day before you use it. Do not refreeze until it has thawed all the way (if you need to refreeze), otherwise you will get condensation freezing on the film.
The color might be a little off, but if it's just "around the house" shots it's OK. (IMHO)

 

[Cricket2]

Freezing un-opened new film is a smart idea. Films have expiration dates just like many drugs do. It might still be ok, but it will not be as good as fresh film. It takes about 3 hours to thaw at room temp. I would NOT OPEN IT until the 3 hours are up. If you think there is even a possibility that the film canister has been previously opened, don't freeze it.

I look at it this way. If you were given a bucket of expired Tylenol, would you use it?

 

[mum4jenn]

I have used expired film quite a bit and have never had any problems with it. Idid not freeze it though. I did remember from school photography class that keeping it cool was a good idea. I bought some expired film from Sams Club a while back and I could kick myself that I did not buy all of it. I had beautiful photos from it.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

As a previous poster noted how far past the expiration date is important. The longer past the less reliable. I wouldn't use it for anything too critical. But if I wanted to just do some play around shooting maybe. You have it so go ahead and try a roll - if the results are ok then you know what you have to work with. I freeze new film and disposable cameras all the time - completely unopened - without a problem. But you can not pull it out of the freezer for immediate use.

Deb

 

[imgoingtodisney]

I have film I bought for our Nov cruise last year and would love to take on our rescheduled cruise this Nov. However, the film will be expiring before Nov. Is there any way to save it? Not expired yet, but will be before this Nov.
I have underwater disposable camera, film, instant cameras, etc.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Normally film has a longer shelf life than that but put them in the freezer now. Take it out when you pack and they'll be good to go when you hit Florida.

Deb