The gelatin layer contains either minute particles of silver making up black and white images, or layers of colour dyes making the colour images. All of these materials deteriorate in very different ways, but recommendations for their care are mostly the same. The life of films, no matter what the format or type, primarily depends upon the temperature and the humidity at which the film is stored. There has been a great deal said in the past about the impermanence of cellulose nitrate films due to their flammable properties. The Archive's collection has nitrate films almost 100 years old which are in good condition and safety films as young as 10 years which are showing signs of deterioration.
Most firms follow strict manufacturing controls, resulting in similar quality for most amateur film.
Some filmmakers prefer certain brands because of their particular characteristics, but as long as the film is made by a major company, most operators will obtain a high quality product. In general, black and white films are more permanent than colour films. In order to get the longest life from the dyes used in colour films, low temperature storage is recommended, making this more expensive and less convenient than the cool conditions required for black and white materials. Storage is the most important consideration for your films at home. They should be in a film container, preferably plastic, and kept in a dry place with minimum temperature and humidity fluctuations.