How to Preserve Your Old 8mm Film Reels

Before diving into preservation techniques, it’s crucial to understand why 8mm films degrade over time. Several factors contribute to the deterioration of these films, including:

1. Time: Time is the ultimate enemy of any type of film. Over time, even given limited exposure to the remaining factors below, film will warp, get fragile and shrink starting about 30-40 years after processing. 
2. Chemical Breakdown: 8mm films are primarily made from celluloid, which is prone to chemical breakdown over time. This breakdown can cause the film to become brittle and eventually disintegrate.
3. Exposure to Heat and Humidity: High temperatures and humidity can accelerate the chemical reactions that cause film deterioration. This can lead to warping, mold growth, and color fading.
4. Light Exposure: Prolonged exposure to light can cause the colors in 8mm film to fade, leading to a loss of image quality.
5. Physical Damage: Scratches, tears, and dust can physically damage the film, making it difficult or impossible to play back.

Understanding these vulnerabilities highlights the need for careful handling and appropriate storage conditions to preserve 8mm film.

Step 1: Assessing the Condition of Your 8mm Film Reels

Before you begin the preservation process, it’s essential to assess the current condition of your 8mm film reels. This step will help you determine the level of care needed and whether professional restoration services might be required.

Inspecting for Physical Damage

Start by examining the physical condition of the reels. Look for signs of:

• Warping or Buckling: This indicates that the film has been exposed to high temperatures or humidity.
• Mold or Mildew: Check for any signs of mold, which can appear as white, green, or black spots on the film.
• Brittleness: Gently unroll a small portion of the film to see if it cracks or breaks. This is a sign of chemical deterioration.
• Scratches or Tears: Examine the film for any visible scratches or tears, which could affect playback.

Smelling the Film for Vinegar Syndrome

A critical test in assessing 8mm film is to check for the “vinegar syndrome.” If your film has a strong vinegar-like odor, this is a sign that the acetate base of the film is breaking down, a process known as acetate film degradation. Films affected by vinegar syndrome need immediate attention, as this condition can worsen rapidly.

Step 2: Cleaning Your 8mm Film Reels

Once you’ve assessed the condition of your reels, the next step in preserving 8mm film is to clean them. Cleaning is essential to remove dust, dirt, and any potential mold, which can all cause damage during playback and storage.

Tools and Materials Needed for Cleaning

To clean your 8mm film reels, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Film Cleaning Solution: A specialized film cleaning solution designed to safely clean the surface of the film without damaging it like Edwals Film Cleaner.
• Lint-Free Cloth: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the film.
• Rewinding Spool: A spool for manually winding the film while cleaning it.
• Cotton Gloves: Wearing cotton gloves will prevent oils from your hands from transferring to the film.

The Cleaning Process

1. Set Up Your Workstation: Choose a clean, dust-free area to work on your film. Make sure you have enough space to unroll a portion of the film reel.
2. Wear Gloves: Always wear cotton gloves when handling the film to avoid leaving fingerprints or oils on the film surface.
3. Apply the Cleaning Solution: Dampen the lint-free cloth with the film cleaning solution. Do not soak the cloth; it should be slightly damp.
4. Clean the Film: Gently unroll a small section of the film and wipe it with the damp cloth. Move the cloth in a consistent, straight motion along the length of the film. Avoid applying too much pressure.
5. Rewind and Inspect: After cleaning a section, carefully rewind it onto the spool. Inspect the cleaned section to ensure it is free from dirt and debris.
6. Repeat: Continue this process until the entire reel has been cleaned.

Proper cleaning is crucial for both immediate playback and long-term storage, as it prevents the accumulation of dirt and other particles that can scratch or otherwise damage the film.

Step 3: Proper Storage Techniques for 8mm Film Reels

Storing your 8mm film reels correctly is one of the most important aspects of film preservation. The right storage conditions can significantly slow down the aging process and protect your films from further deterioration.

Ideal Storage Conditions

1. Temperature: Store your 8mm film reels in a cool environment, ideally between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Lower temperatures slow down the chemical processes that cause film degradation.
2. Humidity: Maintain a stable humidity level of around 30-40%. High humidity can promote mold growth and cause the film to warp, while very low humidity can make the film brittle.
3. Light Protection: Store film reels in a dark place or inside light-proof containers to protect them from light exposure, which can cause color fading.
4. Ventilation: Ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of any harmful gasses that might accelerate the degradation of the film.

Choosing the Right Storage Containers

Selecting the proper containers for storing your 8mm film reels is also essential for their preservation. Consider the following options:

1. Archival Quality Containers: Use archival-grade film cans made from inert, non-reactive materials. These containers are designed to protect the film from environmental factors like light, dust, and moisture.
2. Ventilated Reels: If you suspect your films might be at risk for vinegar syndrome, consider using ventilated cans that allow for better air circulation, which can slow down the progression of acetate degradation.
3. Labeling: Clearly label each reel with relevant information such as the content, date, and any known issues (e.g., vinegar syndrome). This will help you keep track of your collection and identify reels that may need extra care.

Step 4: Digitizing Your 8mm Film Reels

While storing your 8mm film reels under optimal conditions is crucial, one of the best ways to preserve 8mm film for the long term is by digitizing the content. This allows you to enjoy your films without risking further degradation of the physical reels.

Benefits of Digitizing 8mm Film

• Preservation of Content: Digital copies preserve the content even if the original film deteriorates over time.
• Ease of Access: Digital files are easier to view, share, and edit compared to film reels.
• Backup Security: Once digitized, you can store multiple copies in different locations to prevent loss.

DIY vs. Professional Digitization

You have two main options for digitizing your 8mm film reels: doing it yourself or hiring a professional service.

1. DIY Digitization: If you have the right equipment, you can digitize your films at home. You’ll need a film scanner or a projector with a digital video recorder. While this option may be cost-effective, it requires a significant time investment and technical know-how. Warning: Using a projector for film older than 30 years old will damage the film. The sprocket holes are closer together than they were originally (due to shrinkage) and a mechanical device like a projector doesn’t know any better. It will reach up for the next sprocket hole and carve out a larger hole or poke a hole in the film because the hole isn’t in the right place. You could still use a projector in the 1980’s to 1990’s but today it will ruin your film.
2. Professional Services: Professional digitization services specialize in transferring film to digital formats. They use high-quality equipment and techniques to ensure the best possible transfer. Although more expensive, this option guarantees a higher quality result and saves you time.

Step 5: Repairing and Restoring Damaged 8mm Film

If your 8mm film reels are damaged, repair and restoration may be necessary to preserve the content. Depending on the severity of the damage, you might be able to handle some repairs yourself, while others will require professional assistance.

DIY Film Repairs

For minor damage, such as small tears or broken splices, you can perform some basic repairs at home:

1. Splicing: If the film has snapped, you can rejoin the ends using a film splicer. This tool allows you to cut the damaged section and glue the film back together neatly.
2. Tears: Small tears along the edges can be repaired using splicing tape. Place the tape over the tear and trim any excess to prevent it from catching in the projector.
3. Scratches: While scratches cannot be entirely removed, they can be minimized during the digitization process using software that reduces their visibility.

Professional Restoration Services

For more extensive damage, such as severe warping, mold, or advanced vinegar syndrome, professional restoration services are recommended. These services use advanced techniques and equipment to stabilize and restore the film as much as possible, often rescuing footage that would otherwise be lost.

Step 6: Creating a Preservation Plan for Your Film Collection

Once you have cleaned, stored, and digitized your 8mm film reels, it’s important to create an ongoing preservation plan. This plan will help you maintain the condition of your films and ensure that they remain accessible for years to come.

Regular Inspection

Schedule regular inspections of your 8mm film reels, ideally once a year. During these inspections, check for any signs of deterioration, such as vinegar syndrome, mold, or physical damage. Early detection allows you to take corrective action before the damage becomes irreparable.

Updating Digital Copies

As technology evolves, digital formats and storage media change. To ensure the longevity of your digitized films, consider periodically updating the digital copies to newer formats or transferring them to newer storage media. This proactive approach prevents your digital copies from becoming obsolete.

Documenting Your Collection

Keep a detailed inventory of your film collection, including information about each reel’s condition, content, and storage location. This documentation is invaluable for tracking the history and status of each reel, particularly in large collections.