NFSA Film Preservation Handbook
If you have an interest in films and film preservation, I would recommend a visit to the Australian National Film Preservation website to view the Film Preservation Handbook. This amazing resourse gives a in-depth knowledge of a wide range of preservation subjects including film construction, identification, storage and damage.
Below we list the chapter headings, directly from the NFSA site. Please follow the links to see the entire handbook.
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Film construction
Generally, a conservator considers a photographic object as three components comprising of carrier, binder and the image material. However, there are several other components that can affect the outcome of any conservation treatment.
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Base polymers and decomposition
The film base is the carrier component of a photographic object and as such must be transparent, tough and flexible.
This chapter includes pages on Film base polymers and Base polymer decomposition -
Gelatin
Gelatin in the emulsion is the principle component of the binder layer. At various times attempts have been made to substitute other substances for gelatin, but none have been able to match gelatin’s overall performance.
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Image forming materials
A photographic image is comprised of small discrete particles of dye, silver metal or silver compound held in suspension in the gelatin binder.
This chapter contains pages on Chromogenic dyes,Silver and Tint, tone and other colour processes. -
Damage to films
This chapter contains pages on Physical damage,Biological damage and Shrinkage.
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Cold storage of film
As temperatures drop the movement of molecules slows down and lowers the rate at which chemical reactions can take place.
This chapter contains pages on Cold storage,Acclimatisation and Dessicants. -
Preparation for long term storage
Films should be stored either on a suitable core or reel, with an adequate length of leader attached to the head and tail.
This chapter contains pages on Cores,Film leaders,Wind tension,Cleaning,Film cans and Storage orientation. -
Occupational health and safety
OH&S – good for people, good for film. In this chapter are pages on Hazard identification,Risk assessment,Risk control, Specific problems for audiovisual archives, Film conservation hazards,Good OH&S practices, and a Case study.
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Condition reporting
An essential component of collection management is benchmarking collection items condition. In this chapter are pages on Condition reporting program,Risk Analysis,Environmental monitoring,Cyclic maintenance and a Condition report form.
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Film identification and handling
It is important to know the nature of the material you are dealing with. Some film types, or emulsions, respond differently to treatments or require special processes to achieve the desired outcome. This chapter contains pages on Film identification,Opening stuck film cans,Film handling and Film winders and winding.
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Film repair
The aim of film repair is to permit the film to be safely transported through some form of film handling equipment such as printers, projectors or telecines. This chapter contains pages on Splice repair,Perforation repair and Repairing tears in film.
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Conservation treatments
This chapter contains pages on cleaning, rewashing and ‘unblocking’ film: Spot cleaning,Dry dust back,Wet dust back,Particle transfer rollers,Solvents,Ultrasonic cleaning,Buffer roller cleaners,Aqueous cleaning,Rewashing,High humidity and tight wind and Decomposition.
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Photographic duplication
A brief overview of the duplication process designed to give some background information for people with little or no photographic or film laboratory experience. This chapter contains pages on Image quality,Characteristic curves,Using characteristic curves,Exposure,Contrast,Subject luminance range,Exposure, development and gamma,Duplication theory,Technical selection and Printers.
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Disaster planning
Sections on prevention practices and planning, water damage recovery, fire, storage vault destruction, storage plant failure and long term issues as well as a checklist of disaster planning questions to cover any eventuality.
