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

Understanding the life cycle of film film

To understand why some photographers choose to keep their film cold, it is essential to understand the life cycle of film. Just like food products, photographic film has a limited lifespan. They undergo a sort of chemical “maturation” before reaching their period of optimal use. Over time, chemical compounds in the film emulsion begin to break down, impacting contrast, color and overall image quality.

Films are generally sold well before reaching this optimal period to allow flexibility in storage and use. For consumer films, the best use period is approximately six months before the expiration date. In contrast, so-called "professional" films are often sold shortly before their ideal usage period, meaning they need to be used quickly to get the most out of them.

Why store film in the fridge?

It is well known that heat and humidity are the enemies of photographic film. The films are ideally stored in a dry, cool and 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, storing in the fridge can considerably slow down the aging of film. By keeping the films at a temperature below 10°C, their chemical degradation slows down, and below 0°C (freezing), this degradation can almost stop. This means photographers can potentially extend the optimal usage period of their film and extend the expiration date.

The advantages of low temperature storage

• Slowing chemical breakdown: Cold reduces the rate at which chemical compounds break down, allowing films to last longer. For professional photographers who use expensive or rare film, this technique is crucial to preserving their investment.
• Extending the period of optimal use: Film stored correctly 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 film.
• Possibility of storing rare or old films: If you have lots of films close to their expiration date or old films, 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.

The risks associated with storage in the refrigerator

Although storing film in the fridge has its advantages, this method is not without risks. The biggest danger to film film is humidity. Dandruff is made of gelatin, a substance that easily absorbs moisture. When they absorb water, the gelatin swells, causing deformation or even irreversible damage.

Potential risks:

• Condensation: When you remove film from a cold environment (such as a fridge or freezer) into a warm room, condensation may form on the surface of the film. This can deteriorate the emulsion, rendering the film unusable. This is particularly 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 films are not properly sealed in airtight bags or boxes, ambient humidity can penetrate and damage the film. Moisture damage is often irreversible, resulting in a complete loss of image quality.
• Risk of over-freezing: Although freezing is useful for long-term storage, films should be brought slowly to room temperature before use, otherwise condensation may form. A minimum of 6 hours for refrigerated wraps and up to 48 hours for frozen wraps is recommended. Rapid temperature variations 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 film 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 humidity. Zippered plastic bags or airtight boxes are ideal for this.
• Avoid rapid temperature changes: When removing a film from the fridge or freezer, allow it to slowly return to room temperature before opening it. 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 type of film: Black and white films are generally more tolerant of temperature variations than color films. Adapt your storage methods depending on the type of film. Color films contain layers of sensitive emulsions that can respond more quickly to changes in temperature and humidity.
• Stock rotation: If you have several rolls of film stored in the fridge, make sure to use them using a stock rotation method, that is, using the oldest ones first. This ensures that each 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 film that is close to its expiration date. However, it is essential to follow good storage practices to avoid any damage caused by humidity or condensation.

In summary, if you don't plan to store 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 stock.

So, should you really put your film in the fridge? Yes, but only if you really need it 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 films and the quality of your future photographs.