Storage of Print Film

Motion picture film stock is expensive to buy, by the time it has been through a printing machine, and then processed, it represents a considerable investment in time and money.

Unexposed film deteriorates with time but the deterioration will accelerate with bad storage. Film is affected by heat, humidity, and light exposure and by exposure to penetrating radiation such as x-rays.

Storing unopened film from the manufacturer is less critical than storing opened film as the film is sealed at the factory at the correct humidity but once the film can has been opened storage must be at the correct temperature and humidity. Film stored at low temperature must be allowed to reach room temperature before opening the can otherwise the humidity in the air will cause condensation on the cold emulsion surface causing damage.

Even if the film is stored under correct conditions it should not be kept for longer than the manufacturer's "use by" date on the boxes. .

Film is supplied by the manufacturer wrapped in black bags to prevent light fogging should the can be opened in unsafe conditions, but their effectiveness should not be relied on. Once film has been exposed, it must be processed as soon as possible as the image does diminish with time and temperature. Exposed film can be stored in a refrigerator or freezer before processing and there are some complex instructions from manufacturer's for doing this repeatedly. However, it is simply much better to process within the next few hours rather than be involved in a constant time and temperature-keeping regime.