8mm Forum: Best method of storing film

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Topic: Best method of storing film

Marc Marti
Film Handler

Posts: 66
From: La Vall d'Uixo (Spain)
Registered: Jun 2005

posted July 07, 2005 06:23 AM

What's the best method for long term storage of super-8 sound-stripped film? Is it preferible to put the reels on closed metal cans (in horizontal position) or keep them on plastic vertical boxes?
Any suggestions?

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Marc

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Joe Caruso
Film God

Posts: 4105
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 07, 2005 07:52 AM

Stacking reels/cans places unnecessary pressure on the bottom load, I always place cans in a row for easier access, aesthetic look and somehow I think this helps the durability of the prints - Shorty

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Tony Milman
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1336
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 08, 2005 01:12 AM

Joe, that's interesting and exactly how I used to store them until I went to PERRY's temperature controlled shed and saw piles and pile of film stored horizontally.

Now I too store mine in this way albeit I am still waiting for the shed [Big Grin]

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Tony

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Kevin Faulkner
Film God

Posts: 4071
From: Essex UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 08, 2005 06:19 AM

I think its important to let the film breathe freely. I store mine in card boxes and virtical.

Kev [Smile]

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GS1200 Xenon with Elmo 1.0...great combo along with a 16-CL Xenon for that super bright white light.

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Brad Miller
Administrator

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

posted July 08, 2005 04:08 PM

Storing films on their side is generally recommended by archivists, but it's really moreso an issue with prints that are not tightly wound. It's also much more of an issue with 35mm and 70mm prints than 16mm and especiallly 8mm. Think of it in terms of weight. On a loosely wound roll, storing vertically would put uneven pressure on the roll. But again, we're talking 8mm. Even a 2000 foot roll of 8mm film just isn't heavy enough to matter, so storing vertically really is the best solution for a variety of reasons, a major one of which is being able to store more in a given amount of space (not needing a shelf between every couple of horizontally stored rolls) and quick access.

Never, ever store in cans or any sort of airtight container, as the film needs to breathe or anything on acetate base will certainly turn vinegar. With larger gauges such as 35mm, a VS film can have a reasonable amount of life left on it once it starts, but with 8mm it's so small to begin with, the beginnings of VS is pretty much the grave right there.

Don't underestimate the importance of a cool climate. A hot garage with high humidity is about the worst place you could choose in terms of accelerating VS and color dye fading.

So yeah, vertical storage in cardboard boxes. And don't forget sound film is generally magnetic, so don't go storing them on a shelf next to your subwoofer! [Wink]

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Tony Milman
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1336
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 09, 2005 02:59 AM

I now have everything necessary to ensure all your films are properly stored so why not post them to me and I can then look after them for you.

This offer (amazing though it is) is open to all forum members

[Big Grin]

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Tony

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Tom Photiou
Film God

Posts: 4837
From: Plymouth U.K
Registered: Dec 2003

posted July 09, 2005 03:15 AM

Oh Oh, I think i may need help here. All my 8mm films are in boxes, kept in a cool lwr ground floor supboard so no problem with that, however i'm sure ive read many times over that the profession recommends (certainly the larger gauges) metal film cans. All but a few of my 16mm films are in these aluninium cans and i remember some years back talking to Derek Simmons who also said metal cans were prefered. [Confused]