Film (specifically Super 8 format) and Russell
It should be understood from the outset than I have had no previous experience or relationship with the world of film, particularly Super 8 format. It is only because an associate had developed very serious health issues that I was requested, and took on, the task of looking after his "beloved" film collection - specifically to find people who appreciated the world of film and the "windows into the past" that they provide.
After looking at many films so far (and I still have a lot to "work through") I would say that he hasn't put any of these films through a projector in many a year. His condition has been progressively degrading for over the last 30 years now and I think these films were just left in the cupboards, waiting for someone to love them! Eventually he realised that he was never going to view these again so I have been given the task of carefully evaluating each and every film to the best of my ability and offering each film to other film enthusiasts.
The following notes are a collection of my thoughts and what I have learned over time about these films.
GUIDANCE INFORMATION ONLY
After seeing so many people online giving very little (if any) indication of a film's actual and true condition, the following is some general information specific to Super 8 film that I have learned myself through research and very important hints & tips from folk who are far more knowledgeable about this world of Super 8 film than me!
Some films are in "cans", some in the original styrofoam cases, some in plastic cases and some completely without a case at all - many of the films I have found wrapped in Brown paper bags or clear plastic (unsealed). The tightly closed cases seem to provide the film in the best condition, but this is not always the case. The styrofoam cases (such as those from MGM) are often, but not always, in the not-so-good condition from the aspect of film colour.
A number of the reels are multiple short films spliced onto one reel, sometimes just the first film has good~great colour and the following films are of a lesser standard - it is important to read my description under the TESTING section in each advertisment
Most film reels that I have examined to date are in very good condition, just a couple of films were dodgy in that the film stock had "warped" slightly so I had trouble feeding the film into (or out of) the projector.
Sometimes the old White leader film (particularly those that are marked KODAK) seem quite brittle and with those I often need to cut back the leader so that the film will feed correctly.
The most dominant issue that I have come across is this thing called VINEGAR SYDROME ...
VINEGAR SYNDROME
From time to time I have noticed a "vinegar smell" coming off some films that I have been test viewing. I have been contacted by a learned ex film professional who has provided some pointers about this vinegar smell.
It seems that the presence of this vinegar type odour indicates a chemical reaction is underway which will affect the base material of the film - over time. Most of these films are already at least 50 years old, how much longer will they "survive" I wonder? It seems that no-one can provide a definitive answer to that question.
This chemical reaction which is indicated by the vinegar odour can, over time, affect both colour and black & white films equally, gradually becoming worse as time passes although I could not find a reliable guide as to how much time we are talking about - months? years?
If you "click" on HERE , this a link which will take you to the esteemed National Film And Sound Archive Of Australia page which provides a wealth of information about this Vinegar Syndrome problem. These people at NFSA know their stuff ... they live and breathe old film and audio recordings!
The most disturbing aspect which is discussed on their website is the possible effects of this chemical reaction on HUMAN health. Be careful when handling one of these "vinegar beasties", even just breathing the vinegar smelling vapours is apparently not a good idea for sustained periods!
I will do my best (my nose is old and not working the way it used to 50 years ago!) to determine if there are any signs of the vinegar syndrome with every single reel that I handle.
In each advertisement,
A negative (all good) vinegar reaction is indicated by a ☑
If I am unable to determine "What is that smell?" I will indicate this with a �
A positive vinegar reaction is indicated by a ☒
I will still run the film through the projector for "testing" but have no way of knowing how advanced the chemical reaction may already be ... after running positive vinegar syndrome film I always clean the film path with Iso Alcohol (as advised to do so by a film enthusiast)
I have also been advised that even if NO smells are being produced, chemical reactions may still be underway but as yet undetectable by the human nose or in some rare cases I come across films that do not have the pungent vinegar smell but instead a "smell" which I cannot identify. I have been advised (again by a film enthusiast) that this smell is most likely to be "advanced" syndrome.
What all of this really comes down to is that these films are OLD and probably never intended to be viewed by the public some 50+ years in the future of their production.
Finally, AFTER examination of the film, it's case (if any) and viewing the film on screen ... I pack the film within clear plastic along with a couple of small Silica Gel packets, this clear plastic is heat sealed and airtight. I do this at the suggestion of yet another film enthusiast who suggested this may prolong the current condition for a longer period, providing the film with (hopefully) a longer "fruitful" purpose in life.
Where the film is packed within an original case I will also pack the entire case in this clear plastic which is also heat sealed and airtight. This time it is more about preserving the condition of the case and not so much about the film inside.
I am told that some collect these films purely for the sake of "Hey look at me, I have some old films" but never actually run the film through a projector. Everyone is different!
Please be realistic and keep all of the above information in mind when considering any film that I am offering.
One thing is for sure, very few other people online go into such detail about each and every film they are offering - I feel this detail is necessary for a prospective buyer to make an informed decision about whether or not to add the film to their own collection.
