Each package of film is marked with an expiration date. Ideally, the film should be processed before this date for best results. If the film has not been used by this date, it should be tested photographically to confirm and determine its adjusted film speed and performance. Much of the film and paper found in Navy inventory has, in fact, expired. When not subjected to adverse storage and handling conditions, the film is probably still usable for a reasonable time. You should consider the expiration date as a guide only.

Use light-sensitive materials of the same type in the order of their expiration dates. The material with the earliest expiration date should be used first. One exception to this is when you know that a material of the same type with a later expiration date has been subjected to improper storage conditions; for example, if film or paper has been sitting on a pallet on the flight ramp in Diego Garcia for several weeks before being delivered to the ship, you should test the material before using it. Film and paper stored under unfavorable conditions or film that has expired may have a loss of emulsion speed, undesirable contrast changes, stains, color shifts, or high gross fog.