How To Shoot Expired Film

Nina on a 10 years expired 120 HP5

This guide applies for film expired more than 5–10 years. 

Expired film can yield unique and unpredictable results, from subtle color shifts to dreamy grain textures. Here's how to make the most of it:

General Tips for Shooting Expired Film

  1. Check the Expiry Date:

    • Films expired within the past 1–2 years have minimal impact on the results and can mostly be treated as fresh film.
    • Films expired within the past 5 years will likely produce more predictable results.
    • Films older than 10 years may have noticeable degradation but can be creatively rewarding.

  2. Adjust Exposure (The "1 Stop per Decade" Rule):

    • Overexpose by 1 stop for every 10 years past the expiry date to compensate for loss of sensitivity.
    • For instance, if shooting a 400 ISO film that's 20 years expired, expose it at ISO 100.

  3. Store and Handle Carefully:

    • Cold-stored film (kept in a fridge or freezer) retains quality better than film stored in hot, humid conditions.
    • Inspect for physical damage like mold, curled edges, or sticky surfaces.

Color Film vs. Black & White Film

Aspect Color Film Black & White Film
Degradation Prone to color shifts and fogging. More resistant to degradation.
Appearance Muted or unexpected color casts (e.g., magenta, cyan). Increased grain and contrast.
Shooting Adjustments Strongly recommend overexposing. Overexposure not as critical.

Special Notes for Each Film Type

  • Color Negative (C-41):

    • Overexposure helps recover colors.
    • Expect desaturated tones or strange hues.

  • Slide Film (E-6):

    • Highly sensitive to age, with pronounced color shifts and fogging.
    • Shoot as close to box speed as possible for vibrant results.

  • Black & White Film:

    • Much more forgiving of age.
    • Can be shot close to box speed or slightly overexposed for safety.

Developing Expired Film

  • Use a professional lab for consistent results, especially for color films.
  • Consider home development for black-and-white film to experiment with contrast and grain.

Expired film offers surprises with every frame. Embrace the imperfections, and you'll create images with unmatched character!