EFFECTS OF AMBIENT CONDITIONS 
ON FILM SENSITIVITY 
  
P.D. Carman and S.F. Johnston 
National Research Council 
Ottawa, Canada 
ABSTRACT 
In practical use, photographic films are often subject to ambient 
conditions of temperature or humidity which are far from optimum, and 
which are difficult or almost impossible to avoid. Although efforts 
should always be made to follow film manufacturers' recommendations on 
handling films in good ambient conditions, it appears desirable to have 
available quantitative information on the effects of various departures 
from optimum conditions and on techniques for minimizing adverse 
effects. 
Information based on practical experiences and on research studies 
in several Canadian organizations is reported. Data are provided, for 
certain samples of color and black and white film, on the sensitometric 
effects of storage for various times and at various elevated tempera- 
tures both before and after exposure. Low humidity in flight causes 
adverse effects on color, which are easily avoided. Problems can arise 
in transferring film from cold storage to camera and in handling 
between exposure and processing. 
1. INTRODUCTION 
Manufacturers recommendations and other specifications make 
various statements about the conditions under which film should be 
handled. Some are paraphrased below. | 
"Store unexposed film at -20?C." 
"Remove it to room temperature at least 8, or 24, or 48 hours 
before use." 
"Keep below 70?F (21?C) for 2-month storage." 
NRC 16624