How should you store your photo films?
Analog film, unlike its digital counterparts, has a unique organic quality that comes from its chemical composition. Each roll of film is a physical medium that captures light and stores it in a tangible form, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic with its own character and personality.
However, like any organic material, analog film has a certain shelf life. Over time, the film’s chemical components can degrade, resulting in changes in color balance, contrast, and overall image quality.
With proper storage and handling, the shelf life of analog film can be extended. Also, about the manufacturer’s expiration date that can be found on each film package.
Storage of Analog Film
Storage of analog film stock can have a significant impact on the quality of subsequent photographs. To ensure the best possible image quality, unexposed film stock should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
High humidity and strong temperature fluctuations can lead to mold growth and damage to the film. Therefore, it is advisable to store the film material in an airtight box or bag and include a desiccant if necessary.
If you intend to store the films for a long period of several years, you can also freeze the films. For this purpose, the films can simply be placed in a normal freezer or freezer compartment. Here it is particularly important that the film material is packed airtight.
If you take the films out of the freezer again, you should first let them thaw out completely before taking them out of the packaging. This prevents them from coming into contact with condensation after all.
Exposed film stock
When it comes to storing exposed film stock, prompt development is critical. Exposed film should be developed as soon as possible to avoid prolonged storage. The longer the film is left undeveloped, the more the chemical compounds can decompose and degrade image quality. Therefore, an exposed film should be developed within one to two weeks to achieve the best possible results.
In addition to storage, it is also important to consider the handling of the film material. The film should always be handled carefully to avoid scratches or damage.
When loading film into a camera, care should be taken to avoid getting dirt or dust inside the camera. By following these tips for storing and handling analog film stock, you can be sure to achieve the best possible image quality.