Kodak D-31 manual Handling and Filing Film Records, Time-CapsuleStorage, Interfiling

Time-Capsule Storage

Only silver-gelatin films conforming to ANSI/PIMA IT9.1-19982or ISO 18901-1999 should be used for time capsules or sealed in cornerstones of buildings. Film intended for this kind of storage should be conditioned to a low relative humidity (20-30% is recommended for acetate-base films) in a conditioning room or chamber. During conditioning, air should be circulated against both roll surfaces. Conditioning times should be at least two weeks for 16 mm film and four weeks for 35 mm film. This conforms to ANSI/PIMA IT9.11- 1998 and ISO 18911-1999.5

During conditioning, the film should be in the form intended for final storage (wound on itself or a glass rod, not on a conventional core or reel) because the possibility of rapid moisture change makes it inadvisable to rewind the film after conditioning. The capsule should be loaded in the conditioning chamber, if possible; if not, the film should be transferred immediately to the capsule and sealed tightly.

The capsule should be a stainless steel cylinder gasketed cover. When there is more than one roll of film, it is a good idea to separate rolls with stainless steel disks of the same inside diameter as that of the capsule. Cores, reels, or wrapping of any kind should not be included; only the film itself should be put into the capsule.

Handling and Filing

Film Records

Well-planned filing systems and proper handling of film records are important in the storage of records. The custodian should set up safeguards against loss or misplacement of valuable records and also make sure that the methods of filing and handling do not add unnecessary wear to the records. When films must be used, duplicates should be made and originals retained in storage.

Interfiling

Microfilm may be subject to interactions when stored with films of different generic types (e.g., diazo and silver-gelatin). Do not wind different generic film types on the same roll or store them in the same container. Diazo and silver-gelatin microfilms should be stored separately before and after processing. Diazonium salt gases emitted from Diazo microfilm (pre- and post-process) can be detrimental to silver-gelatin microfilm.

Continual handling of film, even under favorable conditions, causes some wear, but wear can be accelerated greatly by certain factors which can be controlled. Scratching occurs when film is dirty or equipment is poorly maintained or wrongly used. “Cinching” causes scratches and occurs when film is made to slide layer on layer

(e.g., when the end of a loose roll of film is pulled). Tearing and fingerprinting occur when equipment and handling methods are not suitable.

Remove dirt from film by wiping with a lintless fabric pad moistened with film cleaner or its equivalent. Carry out cleaning operations in an atmosphere of about 50% relative humidity to minimize the possibility that the film will become electrostatically charged and attract dust particles.

Another proven method for removing foreign matter from film is the use of Particle Transfer Roller (PTR) technology. These rollers are a polyurethane material whose tackiness and cushiness pick up dust, hair, and other unwanted material from a continuous moving film surface. These rollers can be mounted in-line with most film operations. They can be cleaned easily with warm water and mild soap. For more information about Particle Transfer Roller technology call FPC, Inc., (an Eastman Kodak Company)

at 1-323-468-5774 or contact your local Kodak Representative.

Cleanliness of the work space is essential to success in these operations. Static discharge devices are available for use when handling film which has been in dry storage. Alternatively, film can be conditioned to a higher relative humidity before cleaning and then reconditioned to the original low relative humidity. Other suggestions for improving handling operations can be found in Eastman Professional Motion Picture Films20 and The Book of Film Care.22

14 D-31 June 2002