How long after a disposable camera has expired can you turn it in for film to be developed?

Question

Is the expiration date for the film for pictures to be taken, or for film in general?

Answer 1

There is no limit to how long the film can be in the camera before it is processed. The processing of color negative film has not changed since disposable cameras were introduced.

The expiration date is for that batch of film loaded into that disposable camera. It's best if the photos were taken before or near the expiration date of the film. FYI - Disposable cameras are loaded with 35mm film.

Photos taken after the date will vary as the film ages.
The film will slowly lose light sensitivity and it will also change how it responds to various colors.

The images will remain stable on there for quite a while - given decent storage conditions, although it's best to develop as soon as possible.

Heat is the worst problem - usually giving it a heavy overall red shift. Fortunately, that could probably be cleaned up these days if digitized and editing on a computer.

Note that the higher the ISO of the film (especially 800 or above) makes it more sensitive to gamma rays which are always present and shooting through us - as well as the film.

Kodak "Storage and Handling of Unprocessed Film" http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5202.shtml
(Much of this is regarding motion picture film, but it's 95% all still true for disposable cameras.)

Some older films use a obsolete processing method (chemicals, etc) that can make them hard to get processed after 20 or 30 years. C-41 is the current processing standard for color print film (C-22 was the previous). E6 is the standard for slide films displacing E4. Kodachrome slides. Umm... I forget - it's always been a Kodak or huge lab process only.

Exposed film as old as 70 years has been sucessfully processed.
Film from a failed mountain climbing expedition was found, sent to Kodak and processed with acceptable results. The film was naturally preserved by the cold and dry mountain climate.
------------------------------

Question: Can insects damage film?

Answer: Insects, such as carpet beetles, sometimes attack color slides and negatives, as well as unprocessed film. Don't store slides, cameras, or film in drawers, closets, or cupboards where you keep clothing or fabric, or where lint has accumulated. These materials attract egg-laying adult insects.

Because damage to slides by carpet beetles invariably occurs close to the mounts, you can often salvage damaged slides by masking the edge and covering the damaged area. Before repairing a slide, dust it with a soft brush or forced air to remove any eggs or larvae.

Where insect damage is apparent, remove all the slides and fumigate the boxes or file drawers with paradichlorobenzene moth crystals. Leave the paradichlorobenzene crystals in place in the closed box or drawer for several days so that any emerging larvae will be killed. Because the vapors of paradichlorobenzene may seriously damage or weaken cardboard mounts, shake all the crystals out of the slide container and air it out thoroughly before replacing the slides.

See "Storage and Care of KODAK Photographic Materials", (PDF; 89K).

Answer 2

I belive it's for the film in general.
However, as long as the camera/film is not really abused (like, as long as doesn't get really hot or left in the sun for a long period) it should be fine for years.
I work in a photo lab, and people come in pretty often with film that they "found" after having been lost for months or years.
They always turn out fine; sometimes the quality might be a little worse than normal, but it's still pretty good.

Answer 3

No particular limit, but I suggest within a couple of years would be best. Partly it depends on storage conditions - reasonably cool storage is best, and if the camera has been sitting in a hot window, or glove box of car, then you will not get best results, whether that heat occurred before or after tasking the photos.

Seeing that processing and printing is now fairly cheap - just send the film in and see what you get.

Answer 4

I am one of those people that "finds" rolls of film loooong after returning from vacation. I think the oldest roll I have ever come across (and had developed) was 6 years old. The pictures came out just fine.
As long as the wrapper is intact and you didn't leave it sitting in a car (or anywhere else that gets quite hot) the film will be fine.

Answer 5

It's for the film in general. The pictures will turn out fine unless it's been exposed to extreme temperature changes. That can have a huge effect on your film. If it's just been sitting, even for years, in a home it's usually just fine. Naturally if it's been exposed to light, that can ruin your pictures too. Best Wishes!

Answer 6

Throw Away Cameras

Answer 7

I turned in a disposable camera that I used for underwater pictures back in 1994 about 3 months ago and they turned out fine. You never know ....that's 12 years ago by the way. How's that?!

Answer 8

Expiration date

Answer 9

Possibly not a good idea use it for your "best photos", but they probably will turn out ok unless the camera has been stored in a very warm place.

Answer 10

1