How can I safely flatten tightly curled old negatives for scanning?
Asked 5/11/2017
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I’ve inherited some very old medium-format negatives (about 60mm wide, cut into individual frames or short strips) that are tightly curled into tube-like rolls. Some can be gently flattened under books, but others resist unrolling and a few crack if forced. I’d like to flatten them enough to scan between sheets of anti-Newton glass. What’s a safe way to relax or flatten old curled negatives, especially if the film stock may be very old?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
13
Make a film straightening solution -- ½ ounce glycerin to 16 ounces of water. Soak the curled film in plain water, in time the film will become limp. Transfer the film to the straighten solution, soak for 1 hour. Rinse in running water for 5 minutes. Soak for 30 seconds in PhotoFlow (wetting agent). Hand out to air dry.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Handle old film very gently—forcing it flat can crack or break it. Two approaches were suggested:
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Passive flattening: Place the negatives in archival film sleeves or holders and let them rest flat for a while before scanning. This is the safest first step, and often good enough even if the film is not perfectly flat.
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Careful rehumidifying/soaking: One community suggestion was to first soak the film in plain water until it becomes limp, then transfer it to a film-straightening mix of 1/2 ounce glycerin to 16 ounces of water for about an hour, rinse in running water for 5 minutes, then use a wetting agent and air-dry. This may help relax severe curl.
Because the film is very old and possibly unstable, start with the least invasive method first. If you try any soaking method, test on a less important piece before treating valuable negatives. Avoid heat and avoid forcing tightly rolled film open suddenly.
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