6 tips to make film, negatives and slides last longer

Film, negatives and slides all need to be treated properly in order to last. Here are six useful tips for handling them.

• Once you've finished shooting a roll of 35 mm film, have it developed as soon as possible.
• Long delays, especially in warm, humid climates, can result in noticeable deterioration of your developed photos.

• An expired roll of film can produce less vibrant colours and other image flaws. If you don't expect to use a roll of 35 mm film before the "use by" date on its package, pop it in your refrigerator.
• This trick is a favourite of many professional photographers, who buy film in bulk and store it in a refrigerator or freezer until they're ready to use it.
• The cold, consistent temperature slows down the aging process by at least several months.
• Remove the film from the fridge a few hours before you plan to load it into your camera.
• This will let it warm up to room temperature and keep built-up condensation from damaging your camera.

• With today's increased airport security, your checked baggage is almost certain to be X-rayed.
• While the X-ray scanners used for carry-on baggage won't harm photographic film under 800 ISO, the scanners used for checked luggage employ much higher levels of radiation and will damage any film (or disposable cameras) packed inside.
• Keep all your film — both exposed and unexposed — in your carry-on bags.

• Treat photo negatives with the utmost care and respect. Never remove negatives from their sleeves.
• If your photo-developer doesn't put negatives in sleeves, buy some at a photo-supply store to keep them safe.
• Then store the sleeved negatives in acid-free containers for additional safekeeping.
• Also try to keep your negatives and photos in separate locations in your home; in the event of a disaster at either location, you'll still be able to make copies.

• The natural oils in your fingers keep your skin healthy and pliable, but they're poison to photo negatives and the surfaces of 35 mm slides.
• And they're almost impossible to remove without leaving a scratch.
• Before you handle your negatives or move your slides around, slip on a pair of clean, cotton photo-editing gloves (available at most photo supply stores).

• Although a slide's mount makes it appear sturdier than a colour print, the delicate film inside the housing actually leaves it more prone to the ravages of time, the environment, and mishandling.
• Even the occasional ride through a projector will hasten colour fading. All of which makes proper storage essential for extending the life of your 35 mm slides.
• While most slide carousels are made of stable, heat-resistant plastic, they are not suited for long-term storage.
• Instead, use metal or metal-reinforced slide storage boxes or archival-quality slide sleeves, which fit comfortably in a three-ring binder.
• Consider making duplicates of your best slides or transferring them to a digital medium, for archival purposes.