In general, film that has been stored under 'normal' room temperature and humidity conditions holds up pretty well.. even after many years beyond expiration. The very nature of film is delicate and sensitive to all the variables that surround its life from manufacture through the processing of it.
Some films being spooled and sold as 'new/special' films are old stocks being taken from motion picture, scientific, or special purpose film. Most are old, and were not created to be still camera film. We find the results to be highly variable.. sometimes amazing..but oftentimes disappointing. If you want clean consistent results, we recommend using current film stocks available.
Black and white film ages the best of all. We have developed Verichrome Pan film from the 1940's that held up with amazing results. It is very common to see great black and white images that are many decades old on 'found film'.
Old C-41 color negative film will typically lose saturation, color fidelity, and accuracy..the base takes on a grainy/fogged look, but if the image were well-exposed to begin with.. there's a very good chance we'll be able to make prints from them. Strong magenta and green casts are common.
Even new/fresh film that has been exposed to excessive heat (the glove box of your car, for instance) for a short period of time will yield disappointing results. We can not correct for this type of damage..
Color slide film ages less gracefully than all others...even close to expiration date transparency film often has strong color shifts. It's a film that appreciates being kept cool at all times. We do not recommend purchasing or using old slide film... not worth it in our book.
Older U.S. made color films made before the current (C-41) process were developed in chemistry referred to as ''process C-22"....or Kodacolor-X. The chemicals were discontinued for this film decades ago. We can develop it as black and white film, and often retrieve printable images.. but obviously the colors will not be there if we do this. It is more expensive due to the extra time and handling it requires. The same is true for Kodachrome film. The chemicals were discontinued years ago. We can process it as black and white film. Like Kodacolor-X film, it is a hand process, takes longer and therefore costs more. Results from these films are more unpredictable. We do charge for processing regardless of outcome. If there are no images to scan, we credit the scan fees which you have paid.
We know that your old film is important to you.. otherwise you would not be thinking about it. We have been processing film for over 36 years here..and we do our best..but if there are no images, or images that are faded or light-fogged, it is beyond our control.
We do charge for processing for your roll(s) of film..even if there are no exposures to scan or print. The handling of the film, prepping it for development..the actual process to 'do it' and chemicals required is the same.. regardless of outcome. If you ordered and paid for scans or prints that can't be made, we always credit those fees back to you.
Please read the section pertaining to films we can not process before mailing.