Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => The Wet Darkroom => Topic started by: tjphototx on September 17, 2008, 08:21:04 pm

Title: Slimy Vis Files
Post by: tjphototx on September 17, 2008, 08:21:04 pm

I have many boxes full of Vis Files with row upon
row of 35mm and 6x6 Chromes dating back 20
years. They were in a climate controlled storage
unit until I decided it was time to clean house.
Many of the slide pages are very slimy, gooey, and sticky.
Most of the chromes are damaged or destroyed from
the reaction of the plastic in these file sheets.
I might be able to scan and retouch.
I don't see any mention of the Vis Files being
archival so I can assume they aren't. Has anyone
else had this problem?
Also, any advice on how to destroy, en masse, this
many chromes and sheets. Should I call a shredding
company?
Thanks for any advice.

Title: Slimy Vis Files
Post by: Photo_Utopia on September 18, 2008, 01:20:43 pm

I'm not sure what a Vis file is but it doesn't sound good.
I have always used archival storage from either Kenro or Panodia called Diapacs and have all my slides from the late '70's they are OK.
As for disposal try your local authority who should guide you.

Storage is vital, film or digital.

Title: Slimy Vis Files
Post by: Rob C on September 19, 2008, 10:52:07 am

I use Diane Wyllie Super Archival Viewpacks. They have not let me down yet with stuff from the 70s...

Rob C

Title: Slimy Vis Files
Post by: mrportr8 on November 13, 2008, 10:09:06 pm

It sounds like plastisizer migration. The plastisizer is an additive that makes a plastic soft and pliable. Over time it can migrate to the surface and make the plastic seem oily or sticky.
Peace,
Scott W.

Title: Slimy Vis Files
Post by: Rob C on November 20, 2008, 08:35:51 am

Quote from: mrportr8

It sounds like plastisizer migration. The plastisizer is an additive that makes a plastic soft and pliable. Over time it can migrate to the surface and make the plastic seem oily or sticky.
Peace,
Scott W.

Is that the same phenomenon that sometimes happens with flash cables? I´ve still got a large, venerable Metz unit and the black cables are decidely sticky - most unpleasant too.

Rob C

Title: Slimy Vis Files
Post by: mrportr8 on December 19, 2008, 04:25:57 pm

Quote from: Rob C

Is that the same phenomenon that sometimes happens with flash cables? I´ve still got a large, venerable Metz unit and the black cables are decidely sticky - most unpleasant too.

Rob C

Yep. Same cause.