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REEL DEALS
PUBLISHED BY – MIKE TRICKETT 245 CHURCH ST. HERNE HILL VIC 3218
Thank you to all those who contacted me with comments and concerns regarding
the article headed “Is all film doomed?” in the last issue.
As I said in the article, I thought that Polyester film would be a saviour for the
film collecting world, offering good stability, good color retention. Sadly that is
not the case.
After that episode with Mamma Mia, I have spent many hours in the past couple
of months checking the films in my collection. So far only that one feature has
been affected.
At the moment, it’s vinegar syndrome that out numbers all other problems.
The count so far is .. Vinegar Syndrome 28 reels, Polyester film 6 reels, Eastman
and similar processes turned red 12 reels, nitrate decomposition 1 reel. That
includes reel of all sizes.
Some of the red films have been kept, as they are still useable, but the other
problem reels have been disposed of. Another concern is the migration of the VS
from affected films to unaffected films located nearby.
I have also started to transfer my features from metal reels to plastics or cores. I
am convinced that storing films on metal reels and or in metal cans is partially
responsible for Vinegar Syndrome taking a hold.
Another issue: has anyone noticed the following problem with LPP films?
I have had a 16mm LPP print of Life of Brian for some years. It has been screened
probably once a year during that time. I have noticed that the light scenes in the
film appear have become very white and don’t seem to have the detail they once
had. I wrote that off to my imagination, until my granddaughter, who watched it
with me last time, asked why it was like that.
Recently, I was pleased to obtain a print of Fletch, also on LPP stock. I was
surprised to see the same effect in the light scenes. Both films are still very
watchable, and firm favourites, but I’m now wondering whether this will be
another problem that may effect our collections in time.
Mike
2 REEL DEALS September 2024
