BetterPhoto Q&A
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best care for negatives (and slide)?

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:

1)My old negatives were taken on commercial grade film, before I knew there was such a thing as professional grade. Is there a difference in how long commercial grade vs. professional grade film lasts *after* development?

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.

I have uploaded an example of one of the negatives that looks so bad. I also uploaded and example of it 'cleaned up' with photoshop. Even after a lot of work, the background is pixilated.

Thanks so much for your answers. I am sorry the question is so long!

Heather

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July 23, 2003

Here are the two photos I tried to submit:

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July 23, 2003