For many film photography enthusiasts, storing film in the refrigerator is a common practice. In specialty stores or even in the homes of some amateur photographers, it is not uncommon to see film stored next to food. But is this method really necessary? Is it a recommended practice or just a myth? This article explores in depth the advantages and disadvantages of storing film in the refrigerator, and helps you decide the best approach to extend the life of your film.

Understanding the life cycle of film

To understand why some photographers choose to keep their film cool, it’s essential to understand the life cycle of film. Much like food products, photographic film has a limited lifespan. It undergoes a sort of chemical “ripening” before reaching its optimal period of use. Over time, the chemical compounds present in the film’s emulsion begin to degrade, affecting the contrast, colors, and overall quality of the images.

Film is usually sold well before it reaches this optimum period to allow for flexibility in storage and use. For consumer film, the best period of use is around six months before the expiration date. In contrast, so-called "professional" film is often sold shortly before its ideal period of use, meaning it must be used quickly to get the most out of it.

Why keep films in the fridge?

It is well known that heat and humidity are the enemies of photographic film. Film is best stored in a dry, cool, dark environment at a temperature of around 15°C. When the temperature exceeds 20°C, the chemical degradation of the film emulsion accelerates, resulting in a loss of image quality.

In this context, refrigeration can significantly slow down the ageing of films. By keeping films at a temperature below 10°C, their chemical degradation slows down, and below 0°C (freezing), this degradation can almost stop. This means that photographers can potentially extend the optimal period of use of their films and push back the expiration date.

The benefits of low temperature storage

• Slowing Chemical Degradation: Cold reduces the rate at which chemical compounds break down, allowing films to be preserved for longer. For professional photographers who use expensive or rare films, this technique is crucial to preserving their investment.
• Extending the best-before period: Film stored properly at low temperatures can remain usable well beyond its expiration date. This is especially useful for photographers who buy in bulk or have a wide variety of films.
• Ability to preserve rare or old film: If you have batches of film that are close to their expiration date or old film, the fridge or freezer can be an effective solution for preserving them. Film collectors often use this method to preserve rare films that are no longer in production.

Risks associated with refrigeration

While storing film in the fridge has its benefits, it is not without its risks. The biggest danger to film is moisture. Film is made of gelatin, a substance that readily absorbs moisture. When it absorbs water, the gelatin swells, causing distortion or even permanent damage.

Potential risks:

• Condensation: When you take film out of a cold environment (such as a fridge or freezer) and into a warm room, condensation can form on the surface of the film. This can deteriorate the emulsion, rendering the film unusable. This is especially problematic if the film is used immediately without waiting for it to reach room temperature.
• Humidity: Fridges and freezers are not dry environments. If your film is not properly sealed in airtight bags or boxes, moisture from the environment can penetrate and damage the film. Moisture damage is often irreversible, resulting in a complete loss of image quality.
• Risk of overfreezing: Although freezing is useful for long-term storage, films must be brought slowly to room temperature before use, otherwise condensation may form. A minimum of 6 hours for refrigerated films and up to 48 hours for frozen films is recommended. Rapid temperature changes increase the risk of condensation and deterioration of the film.

How to properly store your films in the fridge

If you decide to store your films in the fridge, it is crucial to follow certain precautions to avoid any damage:

• Use airtight containers: Place your films in airtight containers or in their original packaging to protect them from moisture. Plastic bags with a zip lock or airtight containers are ideal for this.
• Avoid rapid temperature changes: When removing a film from the refrigerator or freezer, allow it to slowly return to room temperature before opening. This helps prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the film. The slow warming process is crucial to maintaining the chemical integrity of the film.
• Consider the film type: Black and white film is generally more tolerant of temperature variations than color film. Adjust your storage methods based on the film type. Color film contains sensitive emulsion layers that can respond more quickly to changes in temperature and humidity.
• Stock rotation: If you have multiple rolls of film stored in the fridge, make sure to use them using a stock rotation method, i.e. using the oldest first. This ensures that each roll of film is used before its storage conditions deteriorate.

Conclusion: Fridge or no fridge?

Storing film in the fridge can be a good practice if you want to extend its life, especially in hot or humid climates, or for films that are close to their expiration date. However, it is essential to follow good storage practices to avoid damage caused by humidity or condensation.

In summary, if you don't plan on storing your film for a long period of time or if you live in a temperate climate, storing it in a cool, dry, dark place is usually enough to maintain the quality of your film. The key is to be aware of the optimal storage conditions to get the most out of your film.

So, should you really put your film in the fridge? Yes, but only if you really need to and you take the necessary precautions to protect your film from humidity and temperature variations. By following these tips, you will ensure the longevity of your film and the quality of your future photographs.