Processing film 7-9 years old

[PeteZ8]

I have some throw away's that I never had processed from 2001-2003 area. They have most definately been stored in a rather eclectic mix of temperatures, with most of them being in a somewhat stable attached garage (never saw 90+ temps, probably saw 30's at the other end).

Drop these off at the local drugstore or should these get special handling from a pro lab?

[PeteZ8]

One bonus; they have been in a metal toolbox most of their lives thus hopefully shielded from cosmic death rays.

[brofkand]

If they're just throw-aways, drop them off at Wal-Mart or Walgreens.

I'm not really sure how much a pro lab is going to help, since the developing of the film is all the same regardless of where you go (c-41 is standardized times, temps, agitation, etc). The pro lab will probably take more care against scratching or exposing your negatives before/after development, but that's probably about it.

I could be wrong, but I don't see a big reason to go to a pro lab to develop negatives. Prints are a different story; they're more likely to take the time to examine each negative and with an eye that has years of experience make a darn good print.

[Christopher Walrath]

Wirelessly posted (BBBold: BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.167 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

I would have a single roll processed. Observe the results and inform accordingly for the remainder when you have them done. Essentially, you're having them test a roll for you.

[tiberiustibz]

There's not much in the means of process modification you can do for C41. Just process it all normally. You'll still get good images unless there's water damage etc.

[jnanian]

hi pete

the only thing a pro lab is going to handle special in this case is your wallet!

john

[MattKing]

I don't normally disagree with John, but...

A pro lab might just have a printer operator who has extra experience with over-riding the automatic settings and adjusting the colour balance when printing from old and deteriorated film.

But you cannot count on it .

Matt