Re: [APML] Shelf Life of Refrigerated Film

["Kevin Wigell" <kwemail@twcny.rr.com>]

I seem to recall a discussion here a long time ago to the effect that film shouldn't be frozen. I don't recall if there ever was a definitive answer to that question. I guess I should go search the archives.

I have two freezers at home, both "frost-free". If I'm not mistaken, frost-free freezers warm up once a day or so above freezing to melt any frost that might be starting to accumulate. If so, I'm wondering if all those freeze-thaw cycles might not be worse on film that just keeping it in the fridge at what I would hope would be a more constant temperature.

I did find the following document on Kodak's web site that speaks to refrigerating film to extend its useful life:
http://www.kodak.com/cluster/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/e6/e6.jhtml
In general, it doesn't say not to freeze film, but it does mention 55F as a recommended temperature for storing professional films. I think I'll stick with the more constant temperature in the fridge.

This document says that even frozen or refrigerated, high-speed films' lives are limited by exposure to cosmic rays or gamma radiation. I wonder if a lead-lined bag would slow down this process?

Any thoughts on this, anyone?

Kevin Wigell
www.kwastronomy.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan Voetsch" <critter12952@yahoo.com>
To: "Kevin Wigell" <kwemail@twcny.rr.com>; "Discussion of Film Astrophotography" <astro-photo@seds.org>
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 13:54
Subject: Re: [APML] Shelf Life of Refrigerated Film


> Hi Kevin,
> 
> --- Kevin Wigell <kwemail@twcny.rr.com> wrote:
> > How long can I realistically expect refrigerated film to stay good?
> > Will it still be useable in, say, 10 years?
> 
> Usually for a couple years past expiration. Someone did post last week
> saying he had used frozen film 6-10 years (don't recall exactly) past
> expiration. I would suggest if you plan on using it that far in the
> future that you put half your stash in the freezer. When it comes time
> to start using it move it into the fridge as you need it.
> 
> It may be interesting to log that info and post your results to the
> list 10 years from now. :-)
> 
> Alan 

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