If you've found an expired film lying around, you're probably swinging between wanting to try it and see what comes out, to worrying that you'll waste your shots on a trip and get nothing back.
Whilst you never really know what you're going to get with expired film, expired film absolutely does still work!
There are of course many variables to consider with the quality of how expired film images will look. We take a look at everything to do with expired film, along with some of our own expired film photos from an expired 2003 film, we figured testing a 20 year old + film was a great place to start!
What Is Expired Film?
Expired film is film that has passed its manufacturer-recommended use-by date, which typically indicates the period when the film is expected to perform at its best. You can usually find this on the box that the film comes in.
After this date, the film can begin to lose sensitivity to light and may develop changes in colour, contrast, and grain.
However, many photographers enjoy using expired film for the unique, sometimes unpredictable effects it can produce, such as altered colours, increased grain, and occasional light leaks.
Why Use Expired Film?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use expired film. Like myself, after asking my Dad if he still had his old film camera lying around, he produced a 2003 film with it that had never been shot on. It piqued my interest to give it a try, plus, the £2.99 price!
Asides from finding expired film lying around, it's typically much cheaper than standard prices of today. Whether that's picking them up on Facebook Marketplace or retailers who are selling off expired film. Though prices can vary based on demand and rarity.
Many photographers use expired film for the creative and experimental possibilities it brings. Here are some reasons why it’s popular:
Unpredictable Aesthetics: Expired film often develops with unique colours, faded tones, or increased grain that can’t easily be replicated with fresh film or digital filters. This unpredictability makes it appealing for photographers looking for one-of-a-kind results.
Vintage Look: The changes in contrast, colour, and saturation can mimic vintage or nostalgic looks, especially on films that were produced decades ago. This can be perfect for photographers who want an authentic, aged aesthetic without editing.
Challenge and Skill-Building: Shooting expired film often requires adjusting for things like colour shifts or reduced light sensitivity. This encourages photographers to experiment with exposure, pushing their creative and technical skills.
Eco-Friendly Choice: Using expired film keeps it from being wasted and gives it a second life, aligning with sustainable and eco-friendly values, especially for photographers conscious about minimising waste.
Expired Film Photos
As I mentioned, my Dad had a 2003 expired Jessops SHR200 film that was kept in his wardrobe for 20 years! These films used to be given for free after you had taken in a film for processing. I always find it crazy that these 35mm films and film cameras were put away and never used again!
I was super excited to put it to the test, knowing the history of it, but also that I personally hadn't had the opportunity to shoot on expired film before.
It's worth mentioning that this is my personal experience with an expired film. To preserve expired film and maintain as much quality as possible, it's recommended to keep it stored in a freezer, or a cold place, protect it from light and to avoid humidity.
But, of course, if you've just found some lying around, it's not possible to reverse any damage. This expired film I shot on was stored in a wardrobe which was at an ambient temperature, protected from light and humidity. So, this definitely helped the degradation of the film, and the images.
Here are the results of the expired film shot in Key West, Florida...
The Verdict
I was suitably impressed with how these images came out. Whilst they generally have less vivacity of colour than you would expect from a film with an ISO 200, shot in sunny conditions, they bring a unique softness and grain that I personally love.
I did include a few of the shots that didn't come out so well, this was due to shooting in overcast conditions/ early evening. ISO 200 isn't best to adapt to these lighting conditions, and the age of the film probably added to the finished look of these shots too.
So, if you've been wondering if expired film shots will come out? They certainly do, whilst this film was 20 years old, we've seen even older films processed at our lab!
So, #FreeTheFilm and ask your loved ones if they have any lying around and put them to the test!
Are you a fan of shooting on expired film?
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