Genealogy Chat

How long could you keep exposed film in a refrigerator before it degenerates? M. Steer

A lot depends on how the film was stored prior to being exposed in the camera,and how old it is. Realisticaly it wants to be developed as soon as possible,but storing the film at lower temperatures away from direct sunlight will be the best you can do. The film will have an expiry date (best before date if you like),although you can go beyond the date the pictures will not be as good as they could be.Good photoshop software could make up for a less than perfect film though. As for how long,the shorter the better. Glen

Thanks for your reply, Glen. We have approx. a dozen rolls of film. They have been kept in a 'fridge' for anything up to ten years. My feeling is to have them developed (but it's not up to me) they may be a 'load of old rubbish' but there may just be one that is worth having. M. Steer

I think it's worth a bash,i certainly know that it is fairly common for film of 3 or 4 years to produce results when NOT stored in cool conditions. One of those if you don't try you will never know situations. It might be worth contacting a local photographer and just asking the question,a lot of the pro/semi pro guys will still have developing and processing equipment (even in this digital age). Half the expense of photographs is the printing,but the process is two stage, 1developing 2printing. Perhaps a friendly local photo club might develop the film and tell you if there is anything worth trying to print. Glen

Why not just try one and see how it comes out. You might be surprised how well it has been preserved. Ann Glos

Think I'll 'have a go'. Just have them developed - if there's anything of interest, then have them printed. Many thanks, M. Steer