If you are into analog photography, storing film is an important part of the process.

I try to always freeze or refrigerate film in plastic bags, and preferably zip lock bags. Both the fridge and the freezer are moist storage places, and using tight plastic bags for short and long term storage is highly recommended.

If it’s anything special with the film, like when purchasing them on the second hand market, I like to put notes in the bag or write notes on the box. Like in this case, the films was bought second hand in 2022 while the expiration date is 2015. In addition to that, previous storage condition is unknown. Keeping second hand purchased film from the same purchase batch together is also something I try to do. This way I have more control of the individual rolls when using them.

Just a small note in the bag and I know this info when I’m going to use the film, that might be this year or in 10 years, and then these things are forgotten if not noted.

Another thing worth mentioning is that some special films are subject to light piping, meaning they must be stored in light tight containers. If you have never heard of light piping I recommend searching the web about this topic.

Most of my film I store in the deep freezer since I don’t know when I’m going to use it. In the fridge I mostly keep Polaroid, Fujifilm peal apart film and a few rolls of fresh film. Polaroid and peal apart film must never be freezed as it destroys the chemicals.

How do you store your film? Got any good tips? Please leave a comment 🙂

-Svein O.