How about freezing film?

[DaktariEd]

I have some rolls of Fuji Superia, and Polaroid 600.
Since I haven't shot film in a while and I don't have plans to do so soon (I like to take the Polaroid to Africa to give prints as gifts), I was thinking about freezing the film.
Anyone done this?
What films can/can't be frozen?
Thanks for any insight....

 

[Michael Slade]

Freezing film, paper, etc...slows down the eventual degredation of the light sensitive material. All film 'expires' over time. In the case of color film the expiration just means that over a certain period of time the color balance will be within manufacturers specifications. For consumer films the 'spec' is much more lenient than pro films. For B&W films the spec is a certain amount of density and contrast range. Once 'expired' the contrast goes down, but not significantly.

There is no way to halt it permanently, but freezing the film certainly slows it down a lot. I think you can even freeze all kinds of Polaroid material, but make sure that with the 'Roids, you let them warm up for several hours before shooting them.

You could, conversely, wait to process your film after exposing it by freezing the film until ready for processing.

 

[shadow images]

Freeze film all the time, 35mm to 8x10. My usual process is from freezer to fridge to shelf so not to let too much condensation happen. Also bag the rolls/boxes in freezer bags. Don't freeze polaroid, you won't be happy. not so much as an emulsion problem as the developer packet don't react well. You can keep it in a cool fridge as long as the temps aren't too cold.

 

[Michael Slade]

Don't freeze polaroid, you won't be happy. not so much as an emulsion problem as the developer packet don't react well. You can keep it in a cool fridge as long as the temps aren't too cold.

That is good information.

 

[DaktariEd]

Thank you!
Yes, very good info. And a good idea about the plastic bags too.