Page 12 - RD_2024-06

IS ALL FILM DOOMED?

Mike Trickett

The loss of a prized film due to Color losses from my collection include
Fading or Vinegar Syndrome seems to be numerous black and white features from
something that most collectors have the 1930 - 1960 period, and worse of all,
experienced. a number of my prized 35mm Technicolor
prints.
Color fading is very common with several
different types of film - Eastmancolor I note that in each case, the film had been
ranging from the late 1960s to the mid stored on metal reels, some of which had
1980s is particularly vulnerable. stated to rust badly - I have been
Generally its transferring all of my films to plastic reels
the fading of or cores. I believe there may be a
the cyan layer, relationship.
causing the
print to take on Then along came Polyester based prints.
a pink or red We have all heard or seen the results of a
appearance. In failure of the supply reel or platter and the
worse cases, resultant virtual destruction of the
the print will projector. It’s as ‘tough as nails’,
fade badly and ‘indestructible’, ‘it will last forever’ we
become very were told.
light in
appearance. There is no cure! Sorry, but I have to report, there is another
headache for the film collector, a future
Vinegar Syndrome is becoming a bigger problem with Polyester based film - it self
headache. It only effects Safety Film, and destructs.
does not seem to be confined to any
particular range of years. It makes no Below: A VS effected film - note how it wont
difference whether the film is black and spool up correctly, as it twisted and warped.
white or color, 35mm or 16mm. Recent There is only one place for it - the bin.

12 REEL DEALS March 2024