Old cold film or pumpkin pie?

I have a valuable stash of Kodak Portra 160 & 400NC 120 color negative film in

my refrigerator that is due to expire in October and November 2007, and an

upcoming job in the same months.

 

If you were me would you dump the film or use it?

 

What I would really like to know is what significant difference can I expect to

notice looking closely at (scans of) exposed color negatives between a fresh

roll of 160 or 400 asa 120 color negative film and the same roll on the brink of

expiry: Flat contrast? Drab colors? Loss of details in the shadows and

highlights? All or none of the above.

 

Until now the film has been kept in a plastic container in my refrigerator along

with the vegetables, milk and juice, but not in the freezer, and I hope this

cold treatment may result in extending its life just long enough for this

job,though maybe I should just throw it out now to make more room for leftover

pumpkin pie?

Why not shoot a roll of each come September, along side with the new Pro Portra. That way you can compare the two.

You could send me any film you don't want because it has "expired". It doesn't instantly lose anything on its exp. date; I routinely use film several years past the expiration date and notice no difference provided it has been stored in a closed, cool environment. The exp. date is merely the manufacturer's warranty of a period during which the film is expected to meet certain specific criteria (varies by mfr). I sincerely doubt you could tell the difference in results 3-4 years past exp. date if you have stored the film properly.

My experience is the same as Stephen L's. However, if you're really nervous about it and want to get rid of it, let me know!

I have film that has been frozen for 10 years that is still great.

 

Larry

Thanks for the useful input that is much appreciated.

 

I am unable to test a roll of film before I shoot, since there are no labs here in Bhutan that can handle 120 color negs, and for the same reason am reluctant to ship it to you - so guess the best option given your feedback is to keep the film cold, cross my fingers, circumbulate the local chorten, shoot and hope for the best.

You have a job in the SAME month? Well then it's not really expired, is it? Nothing happens to film close to that date, what happens to it is in the following months or years depending on how it is stored.

It's like food. You can eat it on the expiration day, and probably for the next month depending on the product, but the manufacturer doesn't want to guarantee it if they aren't sure.