Volume 31, Issue 4

This article provides an overview of environmental specifications for film storage. It explains the relationship between temperature, relative humidity (RH), and ‘vinegar syndrome,’ the slow chemical decomposition of acetate plastics leading to loss of their value in a film collection. Its main purpose is to help collection managers evaluate the quality of the storage environment they provide for their film.

This paper is based on the transcript of a largely extemporaneous keynote address given at the Web-Wise 2002 Conference on March 20, 2002 at Johns Hopkins University. It has been edited, but it preserves the character of an informal talk rather than a formal paper. I have taken the opportunity to expand upon or clarify a few points, and have also added a few footnotes and pointers to additional information on some of the topics discussed. Parts of the question and answer segment that were captured as part of the transcript have also been included, though I've had the advantage of being able to reconsider some of my answers while the questioners have not had that opportunity; my apologies to them.

Pacific Image's PrimeFilm PF3600 Pro Film Scanner occupies a noman's-land between consumer- and commercial-grade film scanners. Its specifications are comparable to the 4000dpi film scanners from Nikon and Minolta, its cost closer to 2700dpi scanners like the HP PhotoSmart. It is an intriguing option for institutions with small collections of 35mm slides or negatives.