Does 35mm film go off?

Question

I'm doing a wedding the day after tomorrow and have just found out the damn woman i'm doing it for hasn't bought any film for me like last time to use in my camera, I have some proper nice film (fujicolour superior extra 400 cn-16 processing) in my bag but I use digital now and its about a year old, do you think it will be ok to use? I havn't got any cash to buy film and its seriously last minute! Help!!they're not in their boxes but only in their plastic cases, and they've been in my big camera bag under my bed nice and safe the whole time?

Answer 1

At a year- its a bit of a crap shoot. They may turn out, they may not. Was film something you specifically stated in contract that they needed to provide? Or can you charge it to her? For a wedding- I wouldn't risk it. I'd buy film.

Or can't you just use your digital instead?

Answer 2

All film has an expiry date. Film is essentially a transparent plastic coated with a light sensitive emulsion, and it is the emulsion which expires. However, you say the film is about a year old, but most films have a shelf life of about 3-4 years so you should be fine, providing the film hasn't been exposed to any extreme temperatures. I have personally used negative film which is over a year out of date with no visible difference. Slide film is usually a little more sensitive but negative will be fine. I don't blame you for being cautious but I would say your be ok! Good Luck!

Answer 3

There should be a use-by date actually on the canister.

Yes it does go off, but if it's been kept unopened in the plastic container it should last a couple of years. Heat and damp are the worst things.

If it is out of date you may notice the colours aren't as intense as they should be. If it is really old, like 5 years or so you probably won't get an image at all.

Answer 4

It should be fine, assuming it has not been hot during storage, but consumer Fujifilm wouldn't be my first choice for shooting a wedding. Go ahead and use it, but I would shoot digital as well. I shoot both film and digital at weddings unless my client has requested all one or the other. If at all possible, get a few rolls of Kodak Portra 160nc and 400 nc. That is the standard wedding film.

Answer 5

Yes, extremes of Heat and light can effect film as can age,

If you wish to bulk buy film then keep it in a refrigerator, Professional film is just like the stuff you can buy but it is fresher (Younger).



Nice to here of some one using a real camera. good luck.

Answer 6

I would say use, it especially when you take into consideration the time and place its been kept.

BUT how would you feel if it was "off" isn't it Worth the hassle of buying new to be on the safe side of a potential disaster.....

If you really cant afford why not do both 35mm & Digital.

Answer 7

Since you've kept the film in the plastic cases and the bag was stored in a cool, dry place, you should have no problem.

Answer 8

It might still be within the expiry date but not worth the risk for something that is so important. Buy new and use the old film for something else.

Answer 9

There should be a ' use by' date of the film.

Answer 10

yes ive used a year old film and it has worked fine just make sure it hasnt been exposed to any harsh environments and kept safe. good luck!

Answer 11

They should be OK, but they might have heat damage....which shows up on the photos as yellow and red streaks/clouds. You could risk it....



(Future reference: keep extra film in your fridge, it'll last forever-practically)

Answer 12

Should be fine since there have been no heat issues ( hot to cold) and it has been in a secure location under your bed.

Answer 13

yes Ive used ones that have been years old and they've come out fine...as long as they've been in their plastic containers they'll be fine

some also have useby dates on the side of the film...try checking this.

I would develop your film with truprint cheap and good prints dont use tesco or kodak-or anywhere that uses Kodak processing its crap.

Hope it goes well!

Answer 14

yes, mainly because of extereme light exposure and heat / dampness, the film deterirates quite quickly

Answer 15

they'll be fine. this guy who shut down his portrait studio gave me film from foever ago.



why don't you just use the digital?

Answer 16

I have eaten it 5days after expiry date and it tasted alright to me.

Answer 17

a year old should be OK.