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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).