Will Rusty Metal Reels Harm My Film?

Rusty reels have a detrimental effect on the film.

Time can be very hard on old metal film reels.

It accelerates the decay of the films as it reacts with the film's silver. Film archival houses won't even let rusty reels be stored at their facilities.

It is high-time to get these films first moved onto plastic reels, and then see what sort of needs they have. Conditioning the film will be a crucial second step, before a transfer is attempted.

Author: Nathaniel Courtens