Whether you’re trying to hold on to dear memories from the past or you have a camera that uses film, you’ll definitely want to know how to preserve your photographic film before and after using it.
Since the 35mm format is the most common type of image sensor format used in film photography, we’ll keep the discussion around it. However, the same tips apply to other types of film.
If you’ve inherited a box of photographic films from your parents or grandparents, you may want to see what’s on each roll. However, it is not a good idea to remove the film from its protective sleeve because photographic film works by exposure to light. Therefore, the more exposure it gets, the more the image will deteriorate, especially on old film.
Plus, photographic film is a very sensitive medium, and exposure to heat and humidity can also inflict damage. Not to mention that careless handling can tear the plastic sheet or scratch the surface, which is also a way to damage the information on it.
The good news is that you can hire a service to convert 35mm film to digital. All you have to do is send the rolls of film, and they’ll take good care of it. Some services will also repair and clean the film whenever it is possible. Still, keep in mind that the older the film, the chances of retrieving perfect photos drop.
If you’re using a camera with film, you must know how to store your film rolls after purchase. And yes, the photographic film needs special storage conditions even before being used. Here’s how professional and amateur photographers do it.
Low temperature helps preserve the film, even after its expiration date (which you should check before storage). As a side note, if you leave the film at room temperature, it may start degrading earlier than the expiration date.
Also, if you know you’re not going to use your film right away, store it in the freezer. You can store photographic film at -18°C / 0°F or lower for over six months. Also, to avoid humidity building up, don’t open the film’s container before storage.
After you get your film out of the fridge or freezer, don’t use it right away. If you do, you run the risk of condensation building up, which will ruin all your efforts for safe storage. Let it rest for at least 12 hours (unopened) at room temperature.
Also, don’t break the seal or open the container of the film before you have to. When you do this, it exposes the film to humid air, which is not something the film likes. Lastly, don’t leave your film in the camera after you’ve finished your photo session. Store it according to instructions.
Unlike digital cameras, film cameras require a bit more work and attention, especially if you’re just learning how to use them. For instance, one way to run a large part of your film is to forget you have already loaded the film and pop the back open to check. When you do this, the film inside (if there is any) will be exposed to light, which will make that section unusable.
Lastly, when loading the film, avoid doing it in direct sunlight. Go in the shade or indoors. Now that you know the most important things about film storage and usage, you’re ready to take that African photo safari you’ve been dreaming of!
Photographic film is quite finicky and requires patience and an openness to learning how to use what today seems like an antique piece of equipment. However, there are professional and amateur photographers who love this medium, so we can’t say the time of film cameras is over.
