8mm Forum: Anyone have anything good to say about Vitafilm?

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Topic: Anyone have anything good to say about Vitafilm?

Adrian Winchester
Film God

Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004

posted February 02, 2012 10:33 PM

On forums, I've seen no end of critial comment about Vitafilm, and these nearly always dismiss the makers claims that it usually cures VS as complete nonsense. However, I just happened to come across an eBay seller who must act as an agent for Vitafilm, in view of the amount of it he sells. I was curious to see his feedback, and found stacks of positive feedback from Vitafilm customers, some of which made references to a "great product". But on the other hand, I'm yet to see anyone claim that it cured their VS print.

So, it's hard to reconcile these things, so I wondered if anyone here has anything positive to say about it? It seems to be the claims regarding VS that annoy some collectors, so might it be fair to say that if you don't buy it to cure VS, it's a good product? I'm surprised that the claims regarding VS continue, as surely every time it fails to do this, it makes the buyers less likely to purchase it again.

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Adrian Winchester

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Bill Brandenstein
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1632
From: California
Registered: Aug 2007

posted February 03, 2012 12:30 PM

It's simple. You have only several weeks to leave positive feedback on eBay, and even by their instructions "curing" VS is a months-long process. Those who've decided it doesn't work have put half a year to years into the process. So my opinion is that the eBay feedback is an indication of good customer service, not whether or not the product performs as advertised.

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Adrian Winchester
Film God

Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004

posted February 03, 2012 04:44 PM

That's a fair point, Bill, but what I'm wondering is whether most people buying it simply want a cleaner/lubricant, so the whole 'VS treatment' process is irrelevant to them?

In fact I'm asking partly because I know someone who inherited one or two cans, so if it's a good product if you're NOT using it in relation to VS, I might offer to buy them!

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Adrian Winchester

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Wayne Tuell
Master Film Handler

Posts: 488
From: Minden, NV
Registered: Jul 2009

posted February 03, 2012 09:27 PM

Adrian, it is a good cleaner. I have know of many collectors who use it, and NONE ever bought it thinking it would cure VS.

From what I have heard, the older stuff made by R. D. Hanish sold in the can is nicer on the nose than the "new" vita-film ever since Stewart bought the "formula" and started selling it. I'd like to get some of the stuff in the can myself...

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www.16mmDrive-InFilms.com

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Brad Miller
Administrator

Posts: 525
From: Dallas, TX, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted February 04, 2012 02:04 AM

It is the false advertising I have an issue with.

#1 It can't by definition be the "original formula" or they are breaking all kinds of laws due to the original chemical composition, of which the EPA has stepped in and put an end to.

#2 It does not cure VS. Nothing does. Nothing. I repeat, nothing. Yes most people agree cleaning the films will extend the useful life if VS starts, but the slower drying the cleaner used, the better the result. Did I mention that even though death may be delayed a bit, there is still nothing to reverse or cure VS. Yup, nothing.

That being said, the original Vitafilm was pretty good if you were seeking a fast drying (almost immediate) film cleaner and didn't mind the headaches from the chemicals. I've not heard good things about the new version though from collectors whom opinion I trust who have tried it. Again, it can't be the original version per the law, but whatever.

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