Vintage, 2006, Kodak Black & White 400 speed 35mm print film

AI Overview Vintage, 2006, Kodak Black & White 400 speed 35mm print film Yes, an unopened roll of black and white film that expired in 2006 is likely still usable, but the results will be unpredictable. Black and white film is the most stable and resilient film type when it comes to aging, and many photographers enjoy the unique, vintage effects that expired film produces. What to expect Increased grain: The chemicals in the emulsion break down over time, which can lead to a more pronounced, grainy texture in your photos. Reduced contrast: As the silver halides in the film degrade, the contrast can flatten and produce images that appear more muted or dull. Lower sensitivity: Expired film loses its sensitivity to light, making it more prone to underexposure if shot at its original ISO. Unpredictable fogging: Depending on how it was stored, the film may have some "base fogging," which can be a dark, smoky, or cloudy effect on the final images. How to get the best results Because the film has lost sensitivity over time, you will need to overexpose it to compensate. A standard rule of thumb for expired film is to overexpose by one stop for every decade past the expiration date. Since your film is about two decades old: Reduce your camera's ISO by two stops. For example, if your film is rated at ISO 400, set your camera to ISO 100. Bracket your shots. Because the results are unpredictable, take several shots of the same subject using different exposure settings. This will increase your chances of getting a usable, well-exposed image. Important storage considerations While being unopened is a good sign, the most important factor in the film's condition is how it was stored. Ideal storage: Kept in a freezer or refrigerator will significantly slow down the degradation process. Poor storage: Storing the film in a warm, humid, or bright environment (like a hot attic or a car glove compartment) will cause it to degrade much faster. The verdict Go ahead and shoot it, but treat it as a fun, creative experiment rather than a project where a specific result is required. Using expired film is a risk, but it's part of the fun of analog photography.