What is the maximum time for an exposed 35mm velvia films that I can keep before before they can go bad, poviding that I am keeping them in cool place.
Please help as I am getting worried, because I wont be able to take immediatly to the lab as it is far from me.
Thanks
Posted by Dan Borzynski on January 18, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I've gone 4-6 months on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately, the extra time didn't improve the pictures, but that was the photographer's fault, not the film.
For a couple of months, cold stored, I wouldn't worry too much. Film, even touchy films like Velvia, are really more abusable than you would guess.
I've used refrigerated/frozen film up to 4 years past its expiration date with no ill effect. Still, I was worried about it while in the field. I would say a year is probably very safe. In most cases the variation in color is very subtle and while it may be significant for those requiring very strict color controls (e.g. product/advertising) I doubt most outdoor photographers will know the difference.
I have kept exposed Velvia and Astia sheet and roll films for a few months in a cold refrigerator and have not seen any noticeable color shift. I have also shot outdated film that was kept in cold storage for over a year with no problems that I can detect.
Keeping the film cold and dry whether exposed or unexposed is the key.
Discussion
3 repliesWhat is the maximum time for an exposed 35mm velvia films that I can keep before before they can go bad, poviding that I am keeping them in cool place.
Please help as I am getting worried, because I wont be able to take immediatly to the lab as it is far from me.
Thanks
For a couple of months, cold stored, I wouldn't worry too much. Film, even touchy films like Velvia, are really more abusable than you would guess.
Guy
Keeping the film cold and dry whether exposed or unexposed is the key.
-PB