Storing Film

Film needs to be stored in a dark, closed, cool, dry place. So why dark place? First of all, darkness helps reduce chance of light leak. Light leak is the most probable thing to ruin film. Secondly, it also attracts less dust. Dust is not as big threat than light leak, but it makes film photographers' life more complicate. So why closed place? Also closed spaces help to keep dust away. In some cases it can also keep moisture away. So why cool and dry place? Heat and moisture are two most probable things besides light to ruin film. Some films are more sensitive to heat than others. From my experience black and white film can be stored in room temperature in air conditioned places, because the temperature can be controlled even in really hot days. Chrome film, for one, should be stored in refrigerator. Remember that in the refrigerator the air is very humid, so you might consider to cover the film package with few zip lock bags... Also, you should wait for a few minutes before loading the cooled film in to your camera.