On Sun, 13 Apr 1997, Jeffory Morris wrote:

> Dear List Members,
>
> Question:  How long will 35mm slides last if stored properly?  How long
> will color prints (c-print) last?

        Color slides and C-prints both fade in time. It's not a matter of
how long they will last, but how much image deterioration you're willing
to accept.
        Kodachrome slides will last 25-30 years with moderate color loss,
if stored in a dark cool environment. Of course, they will fade faster if
exposed to light frequently. Ektachrome and other E-6 processed
transperencies will fade visibly within 10 to 15 years.
        C-prints will show visible fading within months if exposed to
light, a year or so if kept in the dark. Within 20 years C-prints fade to
almost invisibility. Cibachrome prints are almost archival. Although they
do fade in time, they will last 20-30 years will acceptable color
retention.
        I suspect that this generation will be the least photographed in
history in another 30 years.
        Michael A. Lewis
        Fairbanks, Alaska