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Rescuing water damaged negs


samwells

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Since I am now, rather alarmingly, the oldest of my Wells clan, I recently inherited the family photo archive (which goes right back to an near undecipherable tintype). However, some of the negs from the 20s and 30s have obviously been in damp conditions - in some cases, the glassine sleeves they were stored in have become wet and adhered to the negs themselves. I was going to try soaking them in distilled water - but if any member has any other suggestion I'd be grateful.

 

cheers:

Sam

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Sam

 

I guess this is very touchy question because if someone is to reply and you loose your heirloom negatives we would feel very bad. If it was me I would get in contact with Eastman Kodak or a restoration museum to find out what would be the best solution.

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Jacques - your reply - and sensitivity to the subject - much appreciated. To be honest, there are always the prints to go back to - I've just got carried away with the thought of scanning in some really old negs. But your suggestion of contacting film manufacturers etc makes absolute sense.

cheers:

Sam

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Sam - I suffered a house fire 4 years ago and lost most of my negs (40 yrs worth) and all of my fathers going back to the 30's.

 

The mess I was left with once recovered, I soaked overnight in a square plastic washing up bowl filled with distilled water and a dash of wetting agent. I only put 4 sheets of negative files in each bowl and by morning most of the glassine sleeves had floated free of the negs and I could gently pull the negs out with tweezers.

 

Those that were still stuck I just left soaking longer. Once I had the negs out I ran them under tap water for 5 mins and then a dunk in wetting agent and up to dry.

 

I fear your problem is they have been dried on too long and it may take longer to free them up. Maybe try a test on one sleeve first. The distilled water etc. will not do anymore damage.

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Many thanks to all for your advice. Andy: that sounds horrific - must admit I had a fire in my office some while back - luckily, it just melted a Bronica which I loathed for some reason, and a computer which needed upgrading...thankyou, insurance!

cheers:

Sam

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