E-6 Processed Film stability

[oliver_barrett]

I really like the Velvia in large format, but

thought I'd ask what others have heard regarding

the long-term stability of E-6 reversal films such

as Velvia (dark storage in dry room-temperature

environment), after processing. I am hoping for

at least 20 or 30 years or more before color shifts

occur, but I realize that Kodachrome is still the

standard.

 

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Thanks,

Oliver

[jim_blecha]

According to Henry Wilhelm's 1993 book, THE PERMANENCE AND CARE OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS, Fujichrome Velvia is one of the longest lasting after the Kodachromes. Wilhelm's book goes into great detail about accelerated testing of permanancy of many products and different ways to increase the life of your originals. In 1993 it was possible to purchase his book for $69.95 + $4.95 for shipping, but I found a copy at my local library. Try Preservation Publishing Co., Dept CDM, 719 State St., Grinnell, IA 50112-0567. Or call 800-335-6647, Ext. 49.

[rob_rothman1]

To the best of my knowledge, Kodachrome has not been made in sheet film sizes for at least several decades. If you want to shoot color transparency film, E-6 is the only choice.

[name_unknown87]

Having spent many years professionally processing E-6 I can tell you that the permanence of your image is determined greatly by how well your film is processed.So many labs are so concerned about the immediate quality of your processed film that they somtimes take shortcuts in the processing of the film, that will most likely lead to premature degradation of the image long term. For instance the final wash step is very critical to long term stability. Some processors cut this step a little short. Proper wash volume rate as well. The last step "stablizer" is even more important. Too many labs overuse and or use this chemical beyond its time severly reducing its effectiveness. The stabilizer simply speaking stabilizes any residule dye couplers in the film not accomplishing this pretty much destroys what ever hopes you had about long term image stability. It really does'nt make much sense to frett over which film offers the best long term image stability but which Lab takes the necassary time and effort to help bring about long term image stability.Good luck in finding such a lab.