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A VINEGAR SYNDROME STORY
By Alan Vogt
Approximately six months ago I acquired several spools of 16 mm film, each spool held
2 x 800 ft shorts, they were all ex-TV prints that had been laying about for quite some
time, and not in cans.
As a couple smelled of vinegar I separated each short before projecting them, I weeded
out the vinegar ones and 'binned them'. Unfortunately others began to turn as well, one
very funny short in particular went fast. I was miffed at losing it, the picture was
popping wildly and focus was impossible, as I started with it towards the rubbish bin,
when a thought struck me as I passed the outside fridge.
I went and found a plastic shopping bag, slipped the spool of film into it, sealed it with
masking tape ensuring there were no holes in the bag and placed it in the freezer
compartment of the fridge.
After three hours I removed it and noticed the film was pliable, I immediately loaded it
on the projector and … hey presto! …. apart from a little side sway on the titles all was
great.
When shown again next day – the print had held!
I put it in a plastic can and put it aside, four days later I tried it, the picture was popping
again. Leaving it in the can, I ran masking tape around the lip, sealed it, and placed it
back in the freezer for a fortnight.
Once again the picture returned to normal with a little side sway on the titles with the
rest of the spool holding well. There was only the slightest hint of vinegar.
Over the next week I ran it several times and it was still holding.
Into week two, the titles were rocking, but the picture was still holding.
At time of writing I was pleased with the results, and glad that I had not binned it, I will
let it sit in its can for a spell before trying it again. What ever happens it will go back
into the freezer prior to screening it to an audience.
I forgot to tell the missus what I was doing, and one day saw her standing there with the
freezer door wide open telling God all about it. It's a fun life this filum business!
REEL DEALS March 2017 7
