Gentle Film Cleaning - Prep for Digitization

[Duncan Tell]

Hello Again,

Writing to ask folks thoughts regarding a good, safe cleaning process for 8/S8mm in anticipation of transfer. Nothing to abrasive, but looking to take care of excessive dirt/dust so I get the cleanest transfer possible for 60s/70s/80s film that hasn't been run through a projector in decades.

No vinegar syndrome, film in general in pretty good condition. Thanks in advance for any input as far as process, as well as any recommended cleaning agent.

-Duncan

[Maurice Leakey]

Duncan

If the film does not have a magnetic track I recommend using Isopropyl Alcohol, also known as Isopropanol.

Put a small amount on a clean linen cloth, wrap it around the film and slowly use a rewinder to move the film through the cloth. Stop, now and then, to examine the cloth, if dirty, move to a clean part of the cloth. Do not let the cloth dry out, saturate as and when necessary.



Maurice

[Xander van der Merwe]

Maurice, what do you suggest for films with a magnetic strip?

[Maurice Leakey]

Xander
I have never had the need to clean a film with magnetic stripe. Most Super 8 do not need a clean.
But, 16mm which I mainly collect, often do need a good clean.


Maurice

[Brian Fretwell]

I know that the Dr Who prints from Africa returned some years ago had ultrasonic cleaning in a special bath, but that would be going too far for this.

[Duncan Tell]

Maurice, thanks for the feedback. Apologies for the delay getting back here, crazy few days.

Is it OK to clean with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth? The kind of cloth that you would use to clean a computer screen? Or should it really need to be a linen cloth? The only reason I ask is because I think there's more consistency with a microfiber cloth than what I might be applying with a linen cloth. What kind of linen cloth do you use?

Thanks again.

-Duncan

[Maurice Leakey]

Duncan
I've never had a microfibre cloth so I can't answer that question.
In addition to linen, I more often use a cotton cloth. For these I use handkerchiefs given to me as Christmas and Birthday presents!
You only need to saturate a small section at a time, say two inches square, just enough to turn over on the film.


Maurice

[Duncan Tell]

Thanks Maurice!

-DT