I recently came a across an old roll of 35mm film which I believe is exposed but was never developed. I think it's about 12 years old; probably just some pictures of friends partying in highschool or something like that. It has been sitting in a lot of different places over the years but most recently I found it in the centre console of my car where it has likely been for at least a year. Where I live it gets very hot and humid in the summer and very cold in the winter so I figure temperature damage is likely since it's been in the car. It's not in a case, just the roll itself. It's Kodak Gold Plus 100, 36 exposures. What are the odds that anything on this roll is salvagable? Thanks!
2007-10-06 17:37:54 · 14 answers · asked by Ted D 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
I recently came a across an old roll of 35mm film which I believe is exposed but was never developed. I think it's about 12 years old; probably just some pictures of friends partying in highschool or something like that. It has been sitting in a lot of different places over the years but most recently I found it in the centre console of my car where it has likely been for at least a year. Where I live it gets very hot and humid in the summer and very cold in the winter so I figure temperature damage is likely since it's been in the car. It's not in a case, just the roll itself. It's Kodak Gold Plus 100, 36 exposures. What are the odds that anything on this roll is salvagable? Thanks!
Wow, you guys are fast. Thanks for all the inpu.
2007-10-06 17:55:10 · update #1
Hi --I would take this to a place like Walmart and specifically have them develop ONLY the roll and do not cut the roll. that way you can easily look at the roll and see if anything at allcomes out. If it does then proceed to have it scanned / or printed. I would definately have it scanned so you could bring it up in Photoshop and do some image correction.
There is a way to do what is known as a 'clip test' where a lab will develop only a portion of the film to see what changes to the developing time might be necessary - but honestly ithink any one-hour lab will take care of you for under 2 bucks if you don't have prints made. good luck - and I hope you post what happens!
You could easily be the hit at a school reunion!
2007-10-10 17:07:42 · answer #1 · answered by videomike01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
after 12 years?
oh man, I would be surprised if you got anything out of that. So you are saying the film was just chillin in a camera for 12 years? Or was it in a film container? Anyway, it probably will have low quality or nothing visible on it. It depends how much moisture and/or light has gotten to it.
The first day I took my photo class I asked the instructor (amazing) if my sister's old unused film would still be good after 4 or 5 years and he told me I should probably trash it.
If nothing else you could try and the worst that could happen is if you get a roll of 36 black exposures.
2007-10-06 20:30:20 · answer #2 · answered by donald d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Old Film Roll
2016-12-10 12:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol - that's kind of an exciting mystery.
So the odds arent good. It's recommended that you develop film straight after exposure, and that you should store it at 21C or less in a cool dark place... but... since it's only $6 to develop a roll of film, why not put it in anyway?
2007-10-06 17:47:25 · answer #4 · answered by ninedaisies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The odds are slim to none to be honest with you. When your dealing with heat, and I've seen cars that get up to 160 degrees inside that is not good for film. I wouldn't waste my money, but if your really curious you should develop the roll.
If you get it developed at wal-mart/cvs, make sure you check the pictures before paying because both stores will buy back unwanted pictures, but you still maybe have to pay for some. (I am not sure of their policy)
I hope I helped.
2007-10-06 17:48:24 · answer #5 · answered by Kacey 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about the legal ramifications, but I've developed B&W film myself that I know was a minimum of 10-12 years old with fine results. It wasn't stored in any special way, either.
2016-04-07 08:32:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leaving it in the car probably killed it, but I agree with most above me. Why not get it developed and see what's there? If you want to save a little bit, just get the film developed and look at that before you pay for any prints.
2007-10-06 18:04:02 · answer #7 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
chances are very high that the film is expired...but it could be interesting to see if anything does come out, so develop it for fun if you have the funds. However, film does have an expiration date (you could probably find it on your roll), and given the climate conditions it probably isn't 'good' anymore.
2007-10-06 17:42:34 · answer #8 · answered by abiona 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not very good after being in the car. But if it really has scenes you never saw for a dozen years it might be worth throwing a few bucks in to see if anything comes out.
2007-10-06 17:41:25 · answer #9 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you take it to walmart they will develop the film for you. if nothing comes off of it you can decide not to buy the pics. you can also chose which pics to buy. if all come out, but you don't like certain ones. you don't have to buy them. this is a win win situation for you.
how could i get a thumbs down. It is true that you don't have to buy the pictures you have developed at walmart. I worked in the photo department fo walmart for a couple of years. You guys are rediculous. Well whomever gave me a thumbs down is.
2007-10-06 17:42:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋