How to deal with fading and/or pinking film.

[Scott Walker]

I am sure this has been discussed widely but as a relatively new film collector I am wondering if people can help me here.

inevitably there’s going to be a great film you find and have wanted that’s fading or going red. I know a couple of tricks with using filters or the chemical treatment for the red but I had a few of questions I’d love an answer to.

1. From the more experienced film handlers here is there anything that can be done to stop the films going more red or faded? I hear about using a fridge to store films but for me not possible. I have my films out of metal tins and in cardboard or archival plastic cans. I heard someone once mention waxing film? Can anything stop the rot or is this chemical process the only way to go each time? Does filmguard slow this down at all?

2. Do people suggest the chemical treatment over using a blue filter?

3. If a film is turning red or fading what happens next? How long does it take and what are you likely to see happen in each case?

I feel it’s important, especially with rare prints, to do everything to preserve them for the future. I have a couple I’d happily send for treatment if that’s the only option but I don’t want to risk making anything worse so looking for best next steps in these cases.

[Dominique De Bast]

I sent several films in Italy for a rescue and I'm happy with the result. Don't expect your film to reach a Derann level but there is an improvment. Obviousely, it's not cheap if you ship films from the US to Italy, so it's a solution you may keep for a limited amount of your 16mm features. You mentioned you're avare of the method but, just in case, I would like to remind that not all films can be saved. It depends on the filmstock. I advise anyone willing to send films to Italy to contact Alberto first.

[Osi Osgood]

I can recommend Alberto's treatment. It doesn't return perfect color, you won't have perfect blacks for instance, but if there is actual color remaining under the reddening, then the process will bring it back out. As previously stated, it isn't cheap, ( though the shipping is what really drives up the price ), but you will be surprised as to what color is restored! Also, for storage of fading prints, please see my video on film stocks and storage, in the "8mn forum" section, under the rediculous fun with Osi!