8mm Forum: More conflicting information.

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Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on July 02, 2013, 08:36 AM:

This concerns everyone, 8 or 16mm collectors. I have been a bit concerned recently about the storage of what few 16mm films I have, the features are in cardboard boxes, but all the shorts are in cans. I have a few Kodascopes and one Ensign Film Library. One old posting on here said that films need to breathe, and should be stored in cardboard boxes. The advice given by the National Film Archive of Australia, regarding cardboard boxes, says different. The reason for my concern is that all my films are treated with a lubricant, which I imagine would restrict the breathing further.
http://www.nfsa.gov.au/preservation/care/caring-for-film/

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on July 02, 2013, 10:02 AM:

Personally, I keep all my color films in cardboard boxes or ventilated cases; B&W films in whatever....

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 02, 2013, 10:06 AM:

Interesting article Robert, I actually prefer card boxes for film
storage, as opposed to cans, Some of the films I have are still in
the original cardboard boxes from Derann, the brown type with
lid, and the films don't seem to be suffering any harm. I believe
film should be allowed to breathe. The metal cans for 16mm, I
put a twist in the rim of the bottom half to allow air in.

Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on July 02, 2013, 11:12 AM:

I don't remember those type of boxes from Derann, when did you start collecting. I began in 1973, then progressed to sound in 1975. All my films are in their original boxes. I would like to retain the metal cans as it's all part of history now.

Who was it who said 'Nostalgia isn't what it used to be'.

Posted by Paul Browning (Member # 2715) on July 02, 2013, 01:15 PM:

I love the smell of vinegar ( reminds me of fish and chips !!!)lol , but seriously gents I remember leaving a part exposed film in my canon 1014 xls for a long time , not a good idea I know , However I did eventually get it out and the smell of vinegar was over whelming and it had destroyed the light seals on the door turning them to mush literally . My point is not a good idea to seal it like a mummy , let them breath exposed or unexposed .

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 02, 2013, 01:25 PM:

Hi Robert, I think Paul has proved the point on sealing up film.
The old style brown boxes were the ones that features were
sold in, in the 400' size before the white card boxes at Derann.
This would be 1970. Much like the Castle Films style box, but in
the 400' size.

Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on July 02, 2013, 01:36 PM:

Thanks for that information both of you. I need to give the films an occasional airing. I got one film of Ebay, which is a feature of the Coronation, comes in its original Pathe Library steel cans, and one of those cases they used to dispatch films; the stamps on it are George 6th. I think the original hirer never returned it. I want to keep everything intact, but at the same time I need to make sure it's not sealed like a mummys tomb. I was going to lubricate it and view it this week, but I am recovering from 2 fractures in my foot. Very nice to chat to you guys.

Seems like when a film has vinegar, it's had it's chips.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 03, 2013, 08:52 AM:

My sympathies Robert,sounds painful. Best thing is keep your weight off it,that includes lifting projectors etc. Time to enjoy the
DVDs and take it easy.Get well soon.

Posted by Paul Browning (Member # 2715) on July 03, 2013, 03:54 PM:

Hugh , tried to pm you mate but will not accept any mail . Just need to ask you something about the fumeo . Regards Paul B.

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 03, 2013, 04:17 PM:

I use whatever,the films came in, be it card boxes, plastic or metal cans. My collection is fairly small, so I do open all cans once a month for airing. I also keep them away from heat, in the coolest, driest areas of the house.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 04, 2013, 07:11 AM:

Try it again Paul, my boxes are not full, so it should come through.
PM sent.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on July 04, 2013, 07:35 AM:

Thought that was a very good read particularly the paragraph about actually projecting film and cleaning the gate which so many overlook then come to wonder why films get scratched. Regarding card boxes, for many years it has been recommended not to store open reel tape in card boxes because of the adhesive which may have been used in the construction of said box causing warping to the tape base. I’m guessing the same could be said for 8mm sound film where a thin magnetic strip has been applied to the edge of a film. But I personally would not over react to the many different guide lines which have been issued over the years as media organisations do tend to waver a bit in the advice they often give. My own home made sound films are all stored in plastic cases, cleaned with Thermofilm years ago and I know they are just about as good as when I shot some of them nearly 40 years ago. Commercial 8mm films as with the majority are in clean card boxes and I have yet to see any real harm caused to them by storing in this way, even my first Derann purchase from the early 70’s is good although a bit shrunken which can be expected. It’s the first time I have ever seen anyone mention keeping films well away from a fridge but you live and learn, the humidity thing is important probably above all.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on July 04, 2013, 04:04 PM:

I don't personally have a problem with card boxes and I'm inclined to think the 'dangers' are exaggerated, but many people have a perspective based on their own experience. I know of a collector who once had a chance to check films in a storage place where VS had afflicted nearly all the films, but he found a couple in platic cans which were OK. In that particular instance, cans that were more or less airtight appeared to have saved the films from VS, but of course many would suggest not using cans - unless they are archival cans - as the films can't 'breath', so you can't generalise. And any type of cans are considered OK for polyester films. Some 16mm collectors strongly advocate not using cans or boxes, saying that dust is a much lesser problem than VS, but my collection is already chaotic enough - I'd never cope with storing everything out of containers!

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 04, 2013, 06:46 PM:

Adrian, that say's it all, conditions apply.Although super 8 film
for home movie use is different from the prints supplied to collectors, I would say that for collectors in warm regions, keep
film in card, or open, in cooler climate in cans.Remember that
camera film is different to commercial, so no deterioration should
occur .

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