Film Preservation; How to Take Care of 8MM and 16MM Film Reels

October 21st is widely celebrated as Home Movie Day, a day that is dedicated to celebrate and preserve the memories of evergreen home movies! We at Scan South, work a lot with home movies and so, we are going to cover some basic tips on how to care for film reel collection.
With our 8mm or 16mm movie to DVD conversion, we handle and scan your film elements with the utmost care, and once we return the film materials, many clients ask us about taking care of original films. While these films often an original one-of-a-kind element from your memories archives, we will guide you on how to keep them safe as souvenirs of generations.

Preserving film reelsWe work with 8mm and 16mm film reels every day. Though your films may be all untouched and preserved in their original box, here are some efficient storage tips to maximize the longevity of your original material:

• A basic rule of thumb to follow for vintage film reels and any other media is to keep them in a dry and cool place. The film is an organic material and is equally subjected to the laws of nature, just like everything else.
• An environment of 40 degrees with 40%-50% relative humidity will keep your reels intact for the longest amount of time. If stored in perfect conditions, film reels can outlast any DVD, videotape, or digital file.
• Keep them in such a space where the humidity and temperature will stay the most consistent.
• If you want to upgrade your film preservation process to the next level, you can also store them in a freezer or refrigerator - as long as it’s not the same one that you use for your kitchen.
• When storing films in their cans or reels, you should get rid of rubber and plastic elements. The outside material may deteriorate onto the film or introduce other substances, which can cause damage to it or trigger decomposition. So, make sure to remove any tape or rubber band secured to the film.
• If you are into labeling and want to label the contents of your reels before you sent them for 8mm to DVD service, use acid-free paper for labels and stick them to the outside of a film can or box.
• Avoid keeping film reels in plastic bags or airtight jars. Storing films in an airtight container will trap its emitted gases, which will accelerate the film’s organic deterioration.
  

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How to handle film reelsHandling reels can be fun and rewarding, just be aware of the condition of your reel, and the condition you would want it to stay in. Here are some tips on how to handle film reels.

• Always hold films by edges, you should try not to touch the flat surface of the film as any oils or dirt from your hands could harm it.
• If you have plans to view the film on a projector, make sure that there’s no wear and tear on the film – especially on the edges and the sprocket holes on edge.
• Make sure that the film’s threading path is clean and clear. Any dust or dirt in the projector can scratch the winding film on the rollers.
• Do not pause or stop the film while the projector lamp is on; this can melt or burn the film.
• When winding the film back onto the reel, make sure that it’s flat and smooth, and does not have any twists.

With the hum of the motor and the flicker of the projector, seeing actual film reels projected on a plain wall allows you to experience the real feel of these films. By following the steps mentioned above and being careful with your film reels, you will be able to revisit these memories for many more years to come.
While 8mm film to digital conversion service is what we do, but we still acknowledge the essence these films have. Thus, properly handling and storing them is the key to preserve your old memories.