For the first time temperatures are expected to hit over 40C in the UK, thats 104 degree Fahrenheit for my US friends! In this video, I’ll be going over how to look after your film and how you can look after yourself!
Kodak, Ilford and Fuji recommend storing black and white, as well as, colour negative film under 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees fahrenheit.
With regards to slide film stocks, the recommendation varies slightly, with Fuji recommending storage at or below 15 degrees centigrade or 59 degrees fahrenheit.
Kodak recommends storing Ektachrome at or below 13 degrees centigrade or 55 degrees fahrenheit.
Common belief is that film slide stocks are much harder to shoot as well as being far more delicate than other film varieties.
All film stocks, however, should be protected from strong light, and be stored in a cool, dry place for the best results. But does this really matter?
In my last video I shot an expired and currently unavailable black and white Kodak Portra 400.
Which was stored in a loft for 18 years and the pictures came out!
Information online ranges from one extreme to the other. ‘Deep freeze your film’ to ‘none of this really matters as I kept my film for months in a roasting car and it was fine!’
You might find that shooting film that has been stored in high temperatures will lead to colour shifts. This is probably going to be far more prevalent in slide film stocks as you can see from this expired Velvia that I shot a while back.
With all this information in mind, do you really need to store the film in a fridge or freezer with the incoming 40 degrees centigrade weather? It all depends on whether the film is super important or when you might be planning on developing it.
Here are some things to think about: Film today is already quite expensive. This will probably not be the first time temperatures will hit such records in the UK
With this in mind is it worth risking the possibility of your film going bad? I think probably not.
There is a good reason for why film companies publish information about how to store your film. In these times its best to stick with trusted advice. With that in mind, I will be keeping my film in the fridge!
You might think this is an amazing opportunity to get out and enjoy the sun but unless you have been living in extremely hot countries for a long period of time your body is not acclimatised for what will be coming over the next few days!
Here are some pointers to keep you safe:
- Avoid being in the sun from 11-3pm, this is when UV is at its highest!
- Keep hydrated and check up on anyone who might be vulnerable like your grandad and grandma! Check in over the phone!
- Stay cool indoors: Close all the curtains in your rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler. Depending on your home at times it might be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Got a pet or young child? Don't ever leave them closed in car!
If absolutely must have to go out:
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat,
- Avoid any strenuous activity!
- Take a bottle of water with you
- Always check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings
Do you have any experience of shooting or storing film in extreme temperatures above 40 degrees centigrade or 100 degrees Fahrenheit? Whether you live in Arizona, Texas or in the Sahara desert, I would love to hear your top tips on keeping film safe! Do let me know in the comments below.
This is the first time the UK will be hit by 40 degrees centigrade weather and unlike countries that experience this on a regular basis our road and rail infrastructure has not been built to tolerate these extreme conditions.
I'm not sure what kind of impact this will have on them or even our electricity networks. Just practice good caution, stay indoors where possible and watch a few more of my drops! Stay safe and see you soon!