8mm Forum: inherited old films

This is topic inherited old films in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Christopher Hart (Member # 6492) on June 11, 2018, 10:20 PM:

have been scanning slides from various family members and now have inherited a bunch of super8 films. have ordered a wolverine scanner to convert the films. films are on metal reels stored in a metal film box. reels appear to be in good shape although I don't necessarily no what to look for. What do I need to look for? Only obvious problem I think is a couple films have minor mold spots on side of film and some had rubber bands to keep from unraveling but bands have deteriorated. best way to remove rubber bands and mold?

Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on June 12, 2018, 07:19 AM:

Hi Christopher,

It is always exciting to receive something you have no idea what is on them... Sounds intriguing.

If the reels do not smell like vinegar, but are moldy, there are many ways to clean them, from filmguard or film renew or film-o-clean all the way down to using armor all wipes(i have heard people use this even).
The best thing would be to have table handle rewinders to put the reels onto so you can turn them from one reel to the other whilst wiping off the film. You can search the forum for filmguard or film renew to see many links on the process.
Sounds like a fun project!

Here is the site main index...you can find many things here to start!
http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011528
[Smile]

ps: You want to note any film scratches, any splices, are the leaders (head and tail) with full titles and credits. Is the film acetate or other... this can be tested as well...

pss: if you find one called 'Hats Off', please let me know [Smile]

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on June 12, 2018, 09:58 AM:

Rubber exacerbates mold, you're fortunate there is no odor like vinegar - Metal cases (boxes) and cans do have a dubious effect on celluloid - As Matt mentioned, clean them slowly and immeadiately, then see what you have. If they are home-movies, you may want to burn those towards a Disc, if not, let us know what you might have there - Cheers, Shorty

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on June 12, 2018, 11:49 AM:

Christopher ...

Once you have scanned the films and made a digital file of them, do not throw them out or sell them off, remember that the films have survived for a very long time to get to you, a digital file, no matter how good, can potentially degrade within a year or two ...

so, hold onto those films!

Posted by Christopher Hart (Member # 6492) on June 16, 2018, 10:30 AM:

films are 8mm first part of one was black and white but about a 1/4 of the way through switched to color. some splices have hung up and one broke but other than that they seem to be in good shape no smell and only spots were on one film on sides not on frames. Movies start in 55 and go through 68 mostly family travels. do have retirement film of 3 star general parks in 55 or 56. lots of film of various battle grounds, parks, caves, and gardens around the states. Each segment is labeled on a piece of paper in the cans. Any recommendation on Movie editor software?

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