Film expiration tolerance depends on many handling factors:
1. How the film was handled from manufacturing to distributor to the
shop to you. If the film was handled with refrigeration facility, it's
actual expiration date will far longer than the printed date.
2. How YOU handle the film until you use/expose it. If you keep it
refrigerated, then it will extend actual expiration date too. After you
loaded it in the camera, it is best if you can use the entire film
immediately. If not, try not to put your camera in hot place (such as
beneath your car's window), because it may damage your film as well your
camera computers.
3. How you handle the film AFTER you expose it. Process the film
immediately. If this is not possible, keep the unprocessed film refrigerated.
4. Exception 1: high speed film (such as ISO 800 or 1600) will
deteriorate although you keep it refrigerated, because it is affected by
astmopheric radiation.
5. Exception 2: Pro grade films (such as Velvia or Kodachrome), has a
more limited expiration tolerance, because film manufacturer keeps it in the
warehouse, waiting until it 'ripe', before the film is shipped to the
distributor / camera shop.
One last note: Use film's plastic cap before you put it in the refrigerator,
and allow the film to thaw for about 1 hour before you use it.
Warmest Regards,
Januar Rahadi.
Bandung, Indonesia.
