Long term archival storage of 6x17 slide film

[mattlaudergallery]

Hi,

<br><br>

Just after a bit of advice on the best way to store my 6x17 slide film for

long term archival purposes.<br>

<br>

I currently have my work in an A4 file that is stored in a large rectangled

water tight ammunition tin.<br>

<br>

I have over 300 panoramic images taken from around Australia and they are

invaluable, even though they are all drum scanned.<br>

<br>

Any advice on a system or how you are currently storing your slide film would

be appreciated.<br>

<br>

Cheers<br>

<br>

Matt

<br><br>

www.mattlauder.com.au

[Ed_Ingold]

I use Clear-View Archival Film Pages for both 35mm and 120 film. The same sleeves I use for 6x6 would hold four strips of 6x17. The sleeves are made from polypropylene, without plasticizers. Polypropylene is chemically very stable, unlike PVC and acetate, which remain reactive.

 

I have 40 year old film, including slides, which have remained stable in glassine envelopes (all that was available at that time). I would be cautious about using ammunition cases. Anything air and water tight can trap water and degradation products, which hasten deterioration.

 

Clothes moths and carpet beetles will attack film for the gelatin - I have learned to my dismay. I have only observed this in mounted slides, stored in cases with slots. None (so far) have been attacked while in sleeves.

[john_shriver]

See "the book" at Wilhelm Imaging Research.

 

Store in polyester at a minimum. DuPont's Mylar is one brand name.

 

Temperature is your enemy, but you have to seal against moisture so you don't get water damage under refrigeration. How cold depends on how long you want them to last without color fading. Your lifetime? Forever? (Better start an endowment.)

 

The Corbis Archives are taking extreme measures. So is NASA, with the pictures from the moon. Very cold indeed.