 Heather K. Jacobsen |
best care for negatives and slides? I have a question: do negatives deteriorate with time? I have some old negatives (7 to 10 years) that produce poor images when scanned. I tried using rubbing alcohol on one negative, because I read somewhere that that could substitute. But it didn't seem to make much difference on the quality of the photo. It was still grainy in many parts, especially the background. Is this caked on dust and dirt after so much time, or is it that the negative is getting old? I have several things going against me right now:
2) I currently live in a tropical developing country, where it is not easy to keep the negatives super cool. I do keep them out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. But otherwise, what other precautions can I take to ensure I don't lose the quality of my negatives and slides? 3) I don't have any film cleaner. It is not possible to find it here in the Philippines. I couldn't even find it in London, on my last trip - and I searched the whole city! Is there any substitute for film cleaner that I could use? I am afraid to try the rubbing alchol on other negatives that I am more attached to, because I do not how it will effect them. Thanks so much for your answers. I am sorry the question is so long! Heather
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Jordan |
Hi Heather I'm sorry no one answered after nearly a year! But, I've been looking for similar information on the deteriortation of color negatives. From what I've found, the answer is yes, they do. All films are different in how long they last and under what conditions, but I believe Fuji films tend to last longer (negatives anyway). Slides in general do last longer than negatives. As for storage, I'd recommend putting the negatives in archival plastic sleeves and storing them a light tight binder. They'll aslo last longer in less humid, cooler conditions (the former being more important). Hope this helps....even after so long! Jordan
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Heather K. Jacobsen |
Wow! I forgot that I had asked this question! Thanks for your answer. I think you are right about the difference in brand - and I am sure there is a differnece between commercial grade and professional grade film. I mostly use slides now so hopefully those will last longer. But I do have another question - is there anything I can use to clean old film, aside from brushing and blowing dust off of them? Thanks for your answer! Heather
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Jordan |
Hi Heather! I think there's a solution that you mix with water that you can use to get off fingerprints and stuff, without leaving water spots after it dries. Probably if you took the film to cleaned to a pro lab they could do it. If you're getting an enlargement at a pro lab they'll likely check to make sure it's clean anyway. Hopefully someone else can give you some advice.... (without taking a year!) Good luck Jordan
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