Shooting 20-Year-Old Expired film - Will it Work ?

[@GlennnnnS]

I do this a lot and I'd say it works 9/10 times. When it doesn't work, the film has probably been exposed to high temperatures somewhere in its life. If it has been in the fridge all its life it can look almost like new, even after 20 years.

[@RJMPictures]

That "1 stop for every decade" suggestion has always been a bit misleading though. How the film was stored greatly matters. The speed of the film also affects this. Slow film like ISO200 and below tends to hold up much better than fast film like 800 and above. Black and white film tends to hold up the best. And the rule basically doesn't apply to slide film at all. So the more info you have about that particular roll of film, the better off you'll be.

[@MathieuStern]

That explains who the Iso200 pics where way better than the Iso1600 ! wow, thanks for the info

[@RJMPictures]

@@MathieuStern you still did a fantastic job from a photography aspect. The images are breathtaking. There's only so much control you could possibly have with expired film though

[@whero2770]

@@MathieuStern the rule not applying to slide film is way more important since these stocks basically don't handle overexposing by even a single stop well

[@runinair12]

@@whero2770 exactly. Here´s a detailed article about it: silvergrainclassics.com/en/2020/08/how-to-shooting-expired-film/

[@cdl0]

@@runinair12 I followed your recommendation, and agree it is a good and interesting article.

[@MarkHoltze]

This is what got me back into film, I had the film laying around and the camera, lenses and light meter! Was a lot of fun! Looks like you had some fun too Mathieu!

[@MathieuStern]

Yea, i only miss the light meter but i use an app on my phone and it's not so bad. do you recommend one ?

[@seppemussels9256]

Crazy to know that this film expired in 2000. I was born in that year.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

You lucky that you got Fuji 1600, it's very rare!

[@mhaustria]

I liked a lot how you jumped from the video to an analog photo - nice location too! Great to see that you do more analog photography.

[@danmananthro]

Dude we know your game by now so ”of course it will work”! 😂😂🎃

[@MathieuStern]

You got that right!

[@enzodemartin3132]

Hey! im looking forward to shooting with some old film that i found in my grandfather's house. He gave me his camera before passing away so im really happy to hear that i can still use some of his 1980's film to keep him with me in some way :D

[@murraykriner9425]

Always a gamble when taking shots out in the wilds, two-decades expired film or not. Love that you did the work with a Vivitar lens, and a Fujica ST-701 which most would never recognize as they were often marginalized by the press, and so-called pro-photographer's. Great content and location choice.

[@PocketUnv]

I love the look of portraits shot with expired film, sometimes it does such strange things to the skin tones and it gets this otherworldly feel to it.

[@dhp6687]

I managed to get my hands on two packs of unused Autochrome plates (I don't think my wallet will ever forgive me), expired in 1927 (!). It is very unlikely it will still give an image but it doesn't hurt to try... I don't know what the sensitivity is or what chemistry is needed to develop it and with the older ones you needed an orange filter to get the colors right, but they changed that some time later so you didn't need to. So many details about it have been lost over the years so I'll have to do a lot of research first. I'll get around to it one of these days though.

[@Astyanaz]

That's old enough to be historic. Maybe you should consult some experts first. And write a scientific article.

[@vanillandjune]

Woah 1927? That’s so interesting! Please let us know if you finally tried it out.

[@eyedeerman]

love the way you did this video. Thanks for comparing expired rolls like that!!

[@LordRezord]

Here in Brazil expired films are the same price as new ones, or sometimes more expensive even

[@wojtek8929]

Same in Poland :(

[@munnsie100]

Wow, it’s amazing to think that the film from 2000 is one year older than me. I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the colours were when using the C200... amazing work, as usual! This is why I love your videos.

[@MathieuStern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hayooyoutubecreator8930]

You ever hear of or use the Mercury II? I've been using it recently to lower film costs. It shoots half-frame so that's ~70 shots on a 36 exp roll. Not too bad really.

[@MathieuStern]

I need to find one !

[@alyzon18]

May i know the exact settings you used for the shots? Did you add an extra stop or exposure? What exactly did u set for the aperture, shutter speed and iso?

[@ArtexandreFuzaro]

Mathieu, I think the fact that you live in a colder place helps the preservation of the film. I live in Brasil, where is regularly 30°C, and I think the films here don't preserve that well.

[@fromnorthtoneverland]

The first sets of pictures had a spooky beauty about it.

[@watchingytvids1]

I always enjoy your videos! The photos have an ethereal, eerie feel to them.

[@RetifsGarage]

Nice vid, I shoot mainly expired film for economical reasons yes but also because I get various results, to quote « Forrest Gump » shooting expired film is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to find ... 😂

[@Alex-RealApplebees]

I have shot a handful of expired rolls of film and some of my favorite pictures I've ever taken were with some of those rolls. My favorite expired roll was a pharmacy brand film from 2005. All shadows were green, but colors were wonderful. Although I am curious how well a roll of Kodacolor from 1990 will turn out.

[@DominicArenas]

Fantastic video as always Mathieu!

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

This video, which I am enjoying a lot, crashes the LG WebOS KZbin app. The first spot is at the first grainy photo. After that it will crash the TV at other spots. Very strange!

[@xedalpha1]

I honestly just shoot and see how it goes. The surprise is part of the fun 😂 I just love the act of shooting old 126 film on old box cameras people toss out. It just all adds to the experience

[@camil721]

Congratulations, Mathieu ! Beautiful pictures in hard conditions! You know: the good photographer is worth in BAD conditions!

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks a lot!

[@zepelin-on-road]

J'aurai tenté la pose longue, le sujet s'y prêtait bien. Merci pour le partage 📸

[@hariranormal5584]

1:52 something beautiful about that, do you have the raw images for us to download or no?

[@poplar1376]

The place you shot those films is beautiful, where is it?

[@MathieuStern]

Jura Region in France

[@plestj]

Your results were terrific, Matthew! Thanks for sharing your experience! 👍🙏🏻

[@MathieuStern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@airdailyx]

Thanks for this. During the lockdown I went back to shooting film for the first time in 20 years. And buying all new film and processing since March has cost me several hundred US dollars. In order to try and save money I am preparing to develop and scan my own film. But to prevent from wasting money throughout the transition process, I started shooting on 20-year-old film I had in the attic. My question for you is are you developing your own film, and if you are are you doing anything differently throughout the process such as prolonging the development time due to the age of the film?? It’s all experimental at this point but any advice helps. Thanks!

[@cheezyasfvck]

I shoot expired film regularly, I even have some 20 year old superia 1600 like in the video, and I compensate for the exposure shift in camera and then just get it developed as normal. I've never had any issues with just getting it developed as usual. I'd personally only consider pushing in processing in extreme circumstances.

[@bobopet2]

I watched this because I have a roll of film from 2003 and I wanted to know whether I can shoot it. Great video!

[@jpokeefe]

Might try longer exposures? Would be interesting to see how well the AI sharpening software does.

[@Марк.Фетнов]

I have a disposable film camera from 2002 with the used film inside, I wonder if it will process to a usable image? Has been stored in a box for 18 years, would be interesting to see the photos!

[@MathieuStern]

send it to a Lab !

[@easyki]

I’m afraid all the exposed parts will be lost, but the part that’s not exposed could still be fine...

[@alyzon18]

And the battery still works?

[@elin8546]

I am going to use an ilford 125 fp4 plus with my canon eos 500n. What ISO should I put with my camera? I'm very new and would love to get some usable shots with this! Or should I just go with 125 like originally?

[@GraemeSimpsonPhotography]

I've never had such luck with expired film. I shot a roll last week that I guess was 20 years old. The grain was horrific and colours all over the place. I do know this film had not been stored correctly so didn't expect it to work at all.

[@MathieuStern]

I think mine was stored in a cave or somewhere dark and cold ... that's what i heard from the seller

[@krlpopiel]

Is there any info (preferably in the form of a table) about setting ISO of expired films, like it would include info of how long it has been expired and what was base ISO of film and how to process after all of those years? I would like to experiment with expired 35mm rolls, but I am afraid that I'd set wrong ISO in lightmeter in my Praktica or process it in laboratory in wrong way.

[@cheezyasfvck]

Take the box speed of the film and expose +1 stop for every decade after expiration (+1 stop every 2 decades for b/w films) and develop as normal. If in doubt about what ISO you should rate it at, always aim to overexpose. It varies from film to film, but most colour films can be over exposed by a few stops and be fine (Kodak Portra can handle 5-6 stops over!!). Box speed - #decades = exposure ISO

[@krlpopiel]

@@cheezyasfvck thank You so much!

[@FuriosusD06]

Please don't listen to this man lies, please don't I won't be able to afford expired film 😭

[@jimiwexler1260]

that fuji 1600 be like 30 bucks a roll 😔😫

[@MysterDaftGame]

Oh la source du Lison ! J'adore cet endroit 😍

[@vu_derArchitekt]

the oldest film I have tried is smeva film from USSR, expired on 1980. Still gave me good shots.

[@NunoxFerreira]

I just have some "France Loisirs" 35mm rolls that came with a couple Pentax P50 that i bought to and old gentelman here in Switzerland. They are pretty "expired" because they were "Made in E.E.C" 😅 Shoot a 400 ISO one with a Slr Ricoh and set iso to 200 in camera. Had same "vintage" looks that you have in your photos. Gonna try the 8 ones that still have!!🤗

[@alyzon18]

Also what place is this? Where is it what's it called? Would love to add that on my list :)

[@resistenzainutile]

Not seen the video yet. But color films after twenty years? I fear they'll come out "blank"...

[@MathieuStern]

Well .... have no fear :))

[@resistenzainutile]

@@MathieuStern 😀😀 i recently bought a minox off ebay , with a color film inside. I think from the 80's. Unfortunately it turned out completely blank...

[@TT-so3hd]

I have some +20 years old soviet colour films. Any tios how to shoot them? Guy who gave them to me recommend to use iso 5 😅

[@SirForceMEDIA]

Great video! I unfortunately made the experience that expired film is often as or even more expensive than new one when you buy it on eBay. I guess it's because the specific type and brand of film is often discontinued and people are looking to buy the "look" that you get from expired rolls.

[@eco420]

im still shooting with my stock from 87' and further and got really nice results. Maybe in the next video u take it a step further my friend

[@Abdurrehmankhan96]

Man your music taste is awesome.

[@MathieuStern]

Glad you think so!

[@Abdurrehmankhan96]

I tried looking for playlists created by you on Spotify. No luck 😕

[@RoGameReview]

I got some kodak film from 2005 that was gifted to me, my analog camera is a canon a1, soo if this film is almost 20 yeas now and is iso 400, would be good to set the camera at iso 100?

[@nicolz72]

Yes.

[@connorbunch3577]

Fast forward to mid 2021, most expired film on eBay sells for close to the price of new film. Maybe it's a little bit cheaper, but I wouldn't describe the price as "almost free". I'm hoping this is due to the rising popularity of film photography, and not due to inflation or film shortages.

[@dmytrod3654]

Very cool experiment! Thank you

[@MathieuStern]

thanks a lot

[@KenyOliveys]

Toujours aussi intéressant, bravo Mathieu

[@MathieuStern]

Merci beaucoup

[@wilfriedklein1467]

The spot where you'd shouting was incredible, where is it?

[@MathieuStern]

Jura Region in France

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Excellent! Now to hunt down some expired film. 🧐🎞

[@MathieuStern]

Go for it!, and let me know what you found !

[@Sylvanexo]

@@MathieuStern How do you personally search for expired Film and check if it's still usable? :) well, okay let the adventure into the unknown begin, I just love your videos

[@MathieuStern]

@@Sylvanexo First i Asked aroudn me if my family had some, ( the 4 free ones ) then i went to garage sales and flea markets. if the box cardboard box is not open, and if the film is still in the canister ... then if it cost less than 1 euro a film, i take the risk thanks for your nice message :)

[@22fret]

I have just gotten back my Sensia II 400 slide film, expired in 2002. The results are comparable to yours. Very grainy, flat colours and, all in all, a bit too dark. But nevertheless there are some quite interesting shots in the lot. The effect can be quite appealing, indeed. I still have 3 Sensia 50, expired in 2007. Let's see what they can do...

[@nicolz72]

Hi, you shoot with iso 100 for the 20 years or speed box?

[@22fret]

@@nicolz72 Tbh, I don't remember. I think I shot it at box speed...

[@gabrielestrada6165]

Do you have any website suggestions for this kind of expired films?

[@MathieuStern]

Ebay i guess

[@gabrielestrada6165]

@@MathieuStern thank you! Appreciate it. Really wonderful videos

[@DJBastor]

love your channel my friend :)

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks so much

[@plestj]

Expired film is very popular now so it’s not so cheap anymore as of 2021. It’s priced about as much as fresh film.

[@tasteinparis7138]

Amazing

[@MayurGogoipics]

Sir,Your video give me enormous energy inside my mind!I have also 2 films about 15 yrs old!Great experiment Sir!I wonder where you developed these films!!Let me know if you have such developer Studio! searcing a such expert developer now in web!!Any one know?Hats off Mathieu Stern!

[@MathieuStern]

Keep it up ! i send my films to develop at Nation Photo Lab in Paris, (link in description)

[@MayurGogoipics]

@@MathieuStern Sir,thanks for very quick reply!I shall try to send Nation Photo lab .But I have some doubt that X-RAY machines in airport might destroy them!!How can I avoid them?Pl make a video sir!Warm regards!

[@smileabrera6754]

Where was the films stored?

[@MathieuStern]

Basement I guess

[@aGlennQuagmire]

The problem with expired film is that its not reliable. For example if i go out to shoot street i want to have the same results every time with the filmstock i'm using. I wouldnt encourage anybody to shoot important stuff on expired film.

[@asmrcuriositycabinet3143]

Not bad !

[@michelphilippeLehaire]

J'aime beaucoup utiliser des films périmés, précisément à cause de l'inattendu, de l'aléas, des aberrations qui chamboulent couleurs, contraste et même grain. J'ai le souvenir d'un Fujicolor 400 vraiment ancien que j'ai utilisé avec mon Lubitel 2 ; grâce aux bizarreries du film ajoutées à celles de l'objectif du Lubitel (un cahier des charges ? Quel cahier des charges ? 😆), une poésie unique est apparue. Il faudrait que je fasse numériser à nouveau les meilleures images avec un scanner de haut de gamme comme celui de Nation Photo mais le coût est non négligeable. Sans post-prod, pas de salut possible, mais il faut une machine qui aille chercher toutes les données présentes sur la pellicule.

[@razzman038]

Was that the same place as the Anamorphic lens of your previous Video ?

[@MathieuStern]

yes, I had a week of freedom before lockdown again

[@razzman038]

@@MathieuStern nice :)

[@einzeller85]

Hey man, love the channel, so i thought i have a good content idea for a video i'd like to see: have you ever tried combining adapters? i'm a massive cheapskate and i got a Canon FD to Sony nex speedbooster/focal length reducer and since i only wanted to buy one speedbooster, i tried to combine that speedbooster with an m42 to canon FD adapter xD so the video idea would be: try combining different adapters with different speedboosters and see which work and which don't :D

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks for the idea! I need to find a lot of speed booster then :)

[@DixonLu]

With labs disappearing, the costs will not (only) be the films but the processing and scanning. Cannot justify spending $15/roll to develop and scan expired film by an outside lab.

[@matthieunuez1043]

sur la fin t'es a la cascade du hérisson ?

[@MathieuStern]

Yep !! Bravo !

[@NorbiCircusArtist]

Cue the expired film price increase 😉 But seriously I shoot a bit of expired and almost always get fine results, and like you said much cheaper (sometimes free). When I bought my Bronica the guy gave me 6 rolls of Fuji Reala 100 expired 2010. Not Suuuuper expired, but still the results are like fresh film (I shot at ISO 32)

[@ianrosie4431]

All other things being equal, 'consumer' film should fare better than 'pro' film if expired. They should be more stable over time. They had to be. Having two Xmas's on one roll wasn't unusual back in the day.

[@pierrecrampagne6826]

Un film neuf, vous avez une légère dominante, quand il est périmé, aussi une légère dominante. Les couleurs commencent à se faner, avec certaines de vos photos, vous pouvez tirer parti de ce genre de couleurs et d'avoir une très belle photo. Ne jamais faire de correction au développement, vous n'obtiendrez rien de bon au tirage, peut-être d'effets spéciaux ( pareil si vous scannez en numérique).

[@MrLo0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0L]

when you said film that expired 20 years ago i was expecting them to be from 1980's not 2000 💀💀💀

[@bobkayak2104]

I adore ton French accent🥖, doesn't what matters the most the conditions in which the films were kept🌡️? May be a shot with a similar but not past film would have been great but nonetheless it's Du belle ouvrage 😀

[@MathieuStern]

Merci

[@buddah610]

Those photos were beautiful. But 1 f stop for every year confused me. So, if a film is 40 years old....? How do you shots photo??

[@MathieuStern]

If a 1600 iso film is 40 years old it's possible, but if it's a 50iso film ... it will be usable for ultra long exposure only ... need to test that

[@miracleyacht__1538]

1 stop for every decade. Not year

[@buddah610]

@@miracleyacht__1538 I must have misheard. Thank you. I thought he said year and I thought ,then it would be almost impossible to shoot. I use my Pentax K1000 and so far so good.

[@mrtrailesafety]

I’ve been shooting with 1996 EXP Date Tmax100 recently. After a few tests, this batch Sunny 16 sweet spot was 1/125 f/8. Here’s the obligatory test shot, with the GretagMacBeth color card for reference. There was no post production. instagram.com/p/CIXG5Nxnni-/?igshid=nncsq5m3z3li

[@mrtrailesafety]

As a side note, its interesting to see the difference between the 100% black on the card, vs the deep shadow black in the background. In this instance a color-card is advisory.

[@SatanSupimpa]

I would recommend any film lover to also go check Azriel Knight channel. He just made a 2 week marathon shooting a different film everyday. Shooting and developing.

[@alyzon18]

Could u link me

[@SatanSupimpa]

@@alyzon18 kzbin.info

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

Im pretty sure integrate mechanical parts don't like water either.

[@meatbyproducts]

I have a bunch of old Soviet film from 1992.

[@MathieuStern]

Wow, i would love to try some !

[@pd1jdw630]

Add 3 years later. Expired film is now as if not double the price of new film. 😢

[@jheelan]

Most of the used ones cost around 5€ today :(

[@peruperu-jj8zs]

Now people are selling expired films for 10 dollars per roll 😂

[@Xottapchenko]

>ultra cheap Well, not that cheap, I see a lot of film expired in 1998-2006 and it sells at 60% of new film.

[@jimshorts9708]

Great photos. Sexy camera.

[@dflf]

Expired film is getting expensive even the cheaper grades. I wouldn’t buy anything older than 20 years or slower than iso 400

[@DEFilmProductions]

Cheap expired film? Must be nice