Re: Wd40

[Mark Silvester]

Hi all,

I know over the years we visited this subject of alternative "film cleaner" lubrication.

I literally saved a lovely old black and white 400' by running it through a WD40 - cloth as in the way of the old2.22.

Its transformed it...runs smoothly and also stopped "jitter"...I was very...very sparing in how I applied it and almost just to the sprocket edge.

I remember Paul in Florida using "armor all" I think it was via wipes, etc.

Anyway

Cheers all.

Mark

[Mark Silvester]

I also heard that "pledge" furniture polish worked well too.

[Arnau Pell]

I have been using isopropyl alcohol for gentle cleaning (with some film that began to give off a little vinegar smell, it has stopped).
I do not think I have used wd40 as evidence. Would its use be more recommended to lubricate the film?
Or also to reduce the first symptoms of vinegar?

[Mark Silvester]

Hi Arnau

yes I think its the lubrication factor that works - its done a great job...but I used it VERY sparingly and virtually alongside the sprockets...I know its not ideal - but it was an old print that now runs smoothly.

Take care

Mark

[Mike Newell]

My one regret in film collecting is cleaning every film that I ever owned. Apart from the dirty ones and scratched ones it was an exercise in futility.

The amount of time and the Russian roulette of cancer inducing chemicals we all introduced ourselves to in the process.

[Mark Silvester]

I have to agree Mike...perhaps it a subject we can cover in the future ..."film cleaners and cancer.." there is definitely a connection. I remember Derek speaking to me about it and of course Mark Todd knows this "toxic" subject well...hmm.

I'm sure the film cleaner killed the "Ritz" brothers or am I wrong? Or was it Bela Lugosi?? Or even Lou Costello??

Cheers all.

Mark

[David Roberts]

Ive cleaned all my films too.I often find there is more brown oxide coming off onto the cloth than dirt from the picture area.At least thats less contamination to end up having to be cleaned from the film path.

[Mike Newell]

There is a high proportion of collectors who die from cancer or leukaemia. Coincidence or some other reason.

David, I remember the brown oxide coming of the films and thinking I had ruined them . Wonder what cleaners do to the sound recording.

[Mark Silvester]

Hi all,

its always been an interesting subject - and certainly evidence against cleaners, in terms of affect on health,...but like most things i life...the past catches up with u...one day. So enjoy the hobby..we DONT live forever....sadly! "Silvo!"

[Michael O’Regan]

Personally, I’ve never seen the need to apply any chemicals to film unless it’s necessary. Routine cleaning of every new print seems unnecessary. If the print is obviously dirty, yes. If it’s obviously dry, yes.

[Brian Fretwell]

I think it was also the effect of the solvents in the cleaners on the Ozone layer that caused a lot to either go out of production or be re-formulated.

That may have contributed to increases in skin cancer, but mainly from other uses of CFCs.