Suspected VS that may not be VS

[Adrian Winchester]

I have two or three reels of 16mm that have a distinct smell, but I honestly don't know whether they have VS or not - I consider them 'borderline' in relation to whether the smell is VS or possibly something else. I have some A-D strips somewhere, so when I find these, I'll try testing them, but the expiry date passed years ago, so any test may not be reliable. I'm slightly encouraged by the fact that at least one of the films doesn't appear to have got any worse over several years, despite being in a plastic can.

I of course know that some film treatments can have quite a strong smell, and some may be combination of chemicals that are no longer offered. It would be helpful to identify any treatments that would be relatively easy to mistake for early VS, so I wondered if anyone feels that applies to any past or present treatments?

[Lee Mannering]

Nail polish remover is a strong smell. Might be worth investing in some A-D Strips you'll soon find out Ade

[Adrian Winchester]

Hi Lee - have you come across suspected nail polish remover on films? Sounds extremely risky!

I have invested in A-D strips, but I'm not buying any more until I've decided whether my 'expired' ones appear to still be working!

[Michael O’Regan]

I’ve always found VS to be an unmistakeable smell. I do know that IB Tech prints sometimes exhibit a vomit-like smell (if you’ll pardon the expression), which has been confused with VS by some.

[Lee Mannering]

Yes Ade. Approaching 40 years of doing film transfers I've had the following used for splicing on.movies
Staples, Gaffa tape, medical plasters along with nail varnish remover and resin. The best was most certainly dainty cotton needlework joins.
That Acetone smell is similar to VS even to my post Covid nose

[Maurice Leakey]

Adrian
Don't forget that 16mm Agfa prints have their own distinct smell.

Maurice

[Clyde Miles]

adrian, they all stink different, as long as it still projects your good. i have in my collection prints that have smelt of vs for over 30 yrs and still play fine, i think i have maybe dumped 3 features that got really bad and coud'nt save, so not too bad, best