Overseas and film

[lmans]

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Perhaps I am looking for a response that I 'want' but is not an option.

 

Any tips on how to store film in the tropics. I have read up on this and I will not be anywhere near a refrigerator where I can easily store..... Again, any information appreciated.

 

This is lots of information out there but a bit disjointed on this topic. Thanks in advance all, jim

[Richardgb]

Colour film or black-and-white? Colour would be far more demanding for storage.

 

Even without refrigeration, could you set up a 'cool store' to cool film and its containers at night, then insulate them during the day?

 

Apart from temperature, tropical humidity may also cause concern - keep the film in its original packaging until just before use, and process as soon as possible after exposure.

 

There is some info on the web:

http://motion.kodak.com/motion/support/technical_information/storage/storage_room/default.htm#tropic

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5202.shtml

 

Don't forget to look after your camera, too:

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/008n0U

[LocalHero1953]

I have worked a lot in such places including remote parts of Africa with only a small paraffin fridge, in which beer took priority over film. The only time I lost film to heat was when it had been in a suitcase that was left for a while in the sun - my mistake. Otherwise I found that keeping it in the cool shade and in a bag out of the sun caused no harm to Kodacolor over periods of a few months at a time.

[gbealnz]

I worried about this the last couple of times we traveled to and around Europe.

This year in August/September Asia (on the way and back) and Europe in general was sweltering, most times the temps were upper 20's to mid 30's with upper 30's a few times. Way hotter than I figured film should be in. That coupled with X-Ray damage was my biggest concerns. No issues whatsoever.

I'm talking B&W only, but a mixture of 100/400 rolls.

Paul hit it on the head I reckon, be careful where you store it, bright sun in a case which will get hot is likely to cause issues.

Maybe consider taking a smaller supply, if (and I don't know where you're going) you can get some along the way.

Also consider processing it locally if you can, once processed as long as it's kept flat and not abused your memories are safe/safer.

Gary

[adan]

Layering:

 

A foam cooler to prevent conductive heating; shade to prevent radiant heating; plastic baggies to block humidity. A white exterior reflects radiant heat.

 

If you can make your foam container perfectly waterproof, then immersing it in a pond or stream will also prevent some heating.

 

If the climate is dry (AND you can still find natural water - possibly a tall order), then immersing the container for a while, and then taking it out, will induce evaporative cooling.

 

or - if you have a bit of canvas or cloth or absobent tarp, you can get THAT wet, and drape it over your cooler. Its evaporation will lower the ambient temperature between the drape and foam cooler. This is why water canteens have canvas covers - dip 'em in water, and the evaporation cools down the metal canteen and contents. http://www.modern50.com/files/gimgs/865_boy-scout-canteens-bsa-vintage2.jpg

[250swb]

It depends on the film and for how long. But a question and answer session with Ilford suggested they think B&W film will last many years before degrading even in relatively high temperatures. If you are going on a six month trip I wouldn't bother, once it is exposed it needs to be processed as soon as possible, but that is the same for any film.

 

Steve