Here's a breakdown:
What it is:
* Film is a light-sensitive material. It contains light-sensitive chemicals that react to light, capturing an image.
* Unused film is unexposed. The chemicals haven't been activated by light yet.
What happens to it:
* Nothing happens. The film remains stable and unaffected by time, as long as it's stored properly.
* It doesn't "deteriorate" in the sense of becoming unusable. However, over very long periods, some degradation can occur, but it's not a significant issue for typical storage times.
* Film does have an expiration date, but this is primarily a guideline. It's based on how long the manufacturers guarantee the film will perform optimally. However, even after expiration, film can still produce usable images, although the quality may be slightly reduced.
Storage is key:
* Proper storage is essential to preserve unused film. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
* Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. These can damage the film and affect its quality.
What you can do:
* Keep your film properly stored. This will ensure its longevity and allow you to use it when you need it.
* If you have old film, try testing it. It might still produce usable images even if it's past its expiration date.
* Consider donating unused film. Many photography organizations accept donations of film for educational purposes or to help photographers in need.
In short, unused film is simply waiting to be used. With proper storage, it can be preserved for years and still capture great images.