Polaroid type 52 or b&W 4x5, when expired is "too expired"?

[francesco_bertelli2]

<p>I'm cheking ebay to buy some polas, I dont need to have supe results with them, but when you think old is too old?<br>

what the major problems could be? is a unopened box from '98 too old? or a 2003? what can you expect?</p>

 

[john_shriver]

<p>At a certain point, the caustic material in the developer pod eats a hole in the foil of the pod, the water evaporates, and the pod turns into a brick.</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>I have some 4x5 type 52 from 2003. It works OK BUT it seems over time the intended viscosity of the chemicals change and I note an unevenness that didn't occur when the film was fresh. Speed seems OK though and since I was just using it for proofing the mottle didn't bother me too much. Best to find it having been stored unopened and refrigerated if possible. </p>

[charles_mason]

<p>I am still using 10 year old or more type 55 and 665. sometimes a pack is dry, but often not... it would be a real crap shoot to buy this off eBay though...</p>

[brit]

<p>Charles I have some type 55 dated July 2007. What would you suggest I rate that at? I have never used Polaroid film or seen it used so am on the back foot to begin with.</p>