Shooting Expired film like a boss
Hi there film photography enthusiasts! I'm so excited to share with you all about the wonderful world of expired film.
But first, let's define what exactly expired film is. Simply put, it's film that has passed its expiration date. Now, you might be thinking, "Why on earth would anyone want to use film that's past its prime?" Well, stick with me, because there are actually some really cool reasons for shooting with expired film. One of the main appeals of expired film is the element of surprise. When you shoot with fresh film, you generally have a pretty good idea of what to expect in terms of image quality and colour. But with expired film, the results can be a bit more unpredictable. This can lead to some really interesting and unique images that you might not get with fresh film. Another benefit of expired film is the cost savings compared to fresh film. Let's face it, film can be expensive, especially if you're shooting a lot of it. By using expired film, you can stretch your budget a bit further and still get some really cool results. It's a win-win! And speaking of cool results, expired film has the potential for some really interesting colour shifts and other effects. This can add an extra layer of creativity to your film photography, and give you the opportunity to experiment with different looks. Who knows, you might discover a new favourite film just by trying out some expired stock.
So, you've got some film that's past its expiration date, and you're wondering if it's still usable. Here are a few things to consider when determining if a film is still good to go: Check the expiration date. If the film is significantly past its expiration date, like more than 20 years, you are entering abstract photography territory. However, if it's only slightly expired (from 1-10 years), it could still be worth a shot (pun intended). Keep in mind that expiration dates are generally conservative, and film often has a longer shelf life than the expiration date suggests. Look for signs of physical damage. If the film has any scratches or dents, this can affect its performance. It's generally best to avoid using film with physical damage. Consider the storage conditions. Film is sensitive to temperature and humidity, so it's important to store it in a cool, dry place. If the film you're considering has been stored in a hot, humid environment, it might not be in the best condition.
Now that you've got some expired film and you're ready to give it a try, here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you get the best results: Set your camera to manual mode. This will give you more control over the exposure, which can be especially useful with expired film. Since the film may not be as consistent as fresh film, manual mode will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the exposure you want, we always suggest as a rule of thumb 1 stop of over exposure for every 10 years from the expiry date this especially applies for colour film as it tend to have higher degradation and colour shifts. Experiment with different films. Every film has its own unique characteristics, and this is especially true for expired film. Don't be afraid to try out a variety of films to see which ones you like best.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to getting some great results with your expired film. Just remember to have fun and embrace the element of surprise!
Let's see some examples of photos on different expired film stocks!
