Re: Shelf life of Kodachrome 64

[P3D Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

Re: Peter Davis inquires about shelf life of Kodachrome.  Judging
from recent comments, the concern should not so much be "how long
will it remain usable," but "how long do I have to age it before it
will produce acceptable results" (i.e., sheds the sickly green cast
that many users have noticed).  I read that, as a guideline, Kodak
dates their films such that they reach optimum performance at 8
months prior to the expiration date.  (I believe the source I was
reading was fairly old, so I don't know if that figure is still
current.)  It was recommended to freeze the film at that point,
as it should then hold indefinitely at that level.  (Refrigeration
slows the aging, freezing virtually halts it.)

Paul Talbot


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