Understanding Kodak 35mm Movie Camera Film
The advent of widely manufactured Kodak 35mm movie cameras for professional and for amateur use, and the production of 35mm movie camera film, was great for hobbyists and contributed to the growth of the motion picture industry around the world. While digital images and devices now rival original photography devices for day-to-day capturing of photos and videos, it is still possible and sometimes preferable to use older equipment for certain effects or formats. Understanding the types, features, and differences of different Kodak 35mm films can help guide your decision.
Why does film have an expiration date?Camera and motion picture film is made of chemicals that can degrade and slowly break down over time if it is not properly stored. While expiration dates may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, they generally fall between two to three years from the month it was produced in the factory.
Can you still use film after its expiration date?Depending on how they have been stored since the original manufacture date, it is still quite possible to get good results using rolls or 35 mm reels that are past their expiration dates. It is important to determine if the rolls or reels you wish to purchase have been in a consistent and stable environment with climate controls. There are two key factors that must be considered before using Kodak film after its expiration date:
- Was the film exposed to heat? Film is coated with chemicals that will quickly break down or react when exposed to heat. When it is stored in a refrigerated environment or even frozen, the chemicals can remain inert and ready to use long past the original expiration date.
- Was it exposed to humidity? Due to the effect of humidity and condensation on the chemicals, any 35mm film or photography film exposed to high-humidity or condensation-laden environments can degrade and break down even before the expiration date.
For still photography, it can be developed in a home darkroom if you have the knowledge, skills, and proper chemicals and equipment. For movie film shot with a 35mm movie camera, the sheer length of the roll makes home development challenging and often impractical. Thankfully, there are options for sending your reels away for development at a professional lab or darkroom.
Why is film sealed in metal canisters?The sealed metal canisters help protect the film in three important ways. The unexposed reel must be kept in complete darkness; any exposure to any amount of light can ruin the entire roll or reel. The sealed canisters help keep moisture, condensation, or water from damaging it. Water, even minor amounts of condensation, can cause the emulsification to become blurry, resulting in blurred images. Sealed canisters also help keep dust particles from becoming lodged in the emulsion.
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