Storing consumer grade film in film 135

[ShivaYash]

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Does cheap consumer grade film really need to be stored in the fridge? I've just pick up a sweet little plastic film case that holds 10 rolls and loaded it up and popped it into the fridge. But it has condensation on the outside now so I presume the same will have occurred on the emulsion? It's summer here in Australia and the house is cooled via a/c centrally but only when we are home. Otherwise it does tend to get quite warm inside. Ta.

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[Michael Hiles]

I assume that the film is in the plastic airtight canister. Any condensation would come only from the moisture in the air in the canister. I wouldn't worry about it. It wouldn't surprise me (I don't know) if the atmosphere when the canister is closed at the factory is controlled to a low relative humidity. I never heard of anyone having the problem that worries you.

[Chuck Albertson]

Color film behaves better when kept cool. If you haven't shot it, keep it in the original cans and refrigerate it if you live in a hot climate. Allow the film to warm up for an hour or so after you take it out of the fridge before opening. Otherwise, condensation on the emulsion can cause problems. If you freeze it, allow about a 3-hour warm-up.

 

If you took the film out of the cans before putting it in your 10-roll case, let it sit in an air-conditioned atmosphere overnight before sealing the case up and refrigerating it - that should remove the humidity. If I've shot film in a really humid environment (think the Top End during the Wet), I usually leave the container open during the flight home. Airliner interiors in flight are bone-dry, and 14 hours from Sydney to LAX will suck any moisture out of the exposed film.