best way to preserve 16mm films?

[nakak]

okay, i know there's several of you who's an expert on 16mm

I was wondering, what's the best way to preserve 16m films (e.g. no vinegar odor)

I don't have any 16mm film equipments, and this film has very small odor, so I'm not taking chances.

Right now, I put it in a airtight bag and stored it in a bottom drawer in the most cool room in the house (it's freezing at niht) previously, I just wrapped it in cloth and put it in a drawer.

[Tom Stathes]

In my experiences (not having many airtight bags around) it's better to let the films 'breathe' as long as not in a hot/moist environment. Sure there are ways to prolong the life of the films, but these processes/storage solutions are very pricey and only really worth it if you have a moderate collection of films (supplies are easier to buy in quantities, etc.)
Also, unless you can see that the film is visibly warped or buckled you should have no problem playing it and I don't discourage anyone from not playing their films just because they have an odor. Also, if anyone needs help with repairing or loading film onto the projector, please email me I can help... cartoonsonfilm@aol.com

Happy To Help,
Tom:bosko:

[Tom Stathes]

I'd also like to add that som;) e of the films I have are VS (vinegar syndrome) ridden prints, and having kept them exposed to air has actually diminished the scent to only a fraction of it's original potency.

[nakak]

thanks.

BTW, when letting the film breath, with the can open in the right kinda room it should be in?

[bigshot]

I don't know about safety film, but I know that nitrate emits gasses that accellerate the breakdown of the film. A reel sealed in an air tight container will deteriorate much faster than one that is in a container that lets air pass through.

See ya
Steve

[Tom Stathes]

Yes, nitrate should never be kept closed. I have a clip of a slightly 'lost' 1916 film on damaged/decaye nitrate, and I've eliminated most of it's odor by leaving it out in the open (it's not dangerous because the gasses are not being confined in a little place, and I never light any matches etc)
Films should in no circumstances be kept ina damp room for as long as you can help it, having said that feel free to leave it open wherever you please (again, the films need to breather under any circumstances unless you buy molecular sieves, which are packed with the films in airtight taped cans, which is a somewhat costly alternative but does keep them in good shape)
Glad to help
Don't forget feel free to email me if anyone here needs help with their film needs.
Thanks
Tom
cartoonsonfilm@aol.com

[nakak]

according to the seller, the film is safety. It said so on the film itself (in the film where there's those holes, it said "safety"

[Tom Stathes]

In that case, Safety film (unless it smells) I might suggest to keep it airtight. There's no fumes being omitted from it, and the fact that moisture in the air is what degrades it, that is the only case in which it should be closed up. So if you have a can (or if you get one) keep it in there (you might want to wrap it in a plastic bag) and tape the edge around the can with masking tape. That should preserve it well (the only reason I refrain from doing that is because I have something like 50+ reels, and no time to keep up with all of them! But not to worry, Dinky Doodle is not turning to dust:cool: )

Tom