Bethany,
You didn't say what guage your film was, if it isn't 35mm then its very
unlikely its nitrate and what you have may be safety film with vinegar
syndrome. Getting it copied is the solution. Since you are in Maine give
David Weiss at Northeast Historic Films in Bucksport a call, he'll be able
to help you
There is a listserve where the experts on this type of material hang out
that you should contact.
AV Media Matters is a moderated discussion list about Audio Visual
Media (i.e. Film, Audio Tape, Video Tape, DVD). From new trends in media
types,
to how to care for your older media, to specific problems you may be
having, the AV Media Matters list is the place to discuss and learn about
media. This list grew out of the Association of Moving Image Archivists'
AMIA-L list.
Most of the discussions have been related to archival issues involving AV
Media.
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W. Mark Ritchie_________________Heritage Resource Management Associates
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-----Original Message-----
From: Bethany Rutledge <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 6 December, 2000 12:34 PM
Subject: cellulose nitrate film
>Hi everybody,
>
>A component of my organization's collections is a couple of motion picture
>reels produced prior to 1951, hence, on cellulose nitrate film. I opened
>the canisters today to obtain some measurements so that I could look into
>estimates to reproduce the film on a safer substance and destroy the reels.
>As one of the canisters was opened, a distinct vinegary odor was released.
>Is this the smell that everyone talks about as signaling deterioration?
>Suddenly, something that was on my "to-do" list has become top priority.
>Should I isolate these reels immediately? And if so, in what conditions?
>I'm thinking about moving them to an outside shed at a little distance from
>the facility.
>
>Any advice would be a help,
>
>With thanks from me and the rest of my collections,
>
>Bethany S. Rutledge
>Director of Collections and Exhibits
>Thornton W. Burgess Society
>East Sandwich, MA
>
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