How to store 120 negatives (6x9 and 6x4.5)

[guyburns]

I have just about finished scanning ~300 negatives (6x9 and 6x4.5) from two prominent Tasmanian bushwalkers in the 1950s. Up till now, the negatives have been kept in postal envelopes, and given their historic interest, I want to store them properly. Easier said than done. The negatives have been cut from their strips, and exist as individual negatives. Several hours of on-line searching and I still haven't found a solution at a reasonable price.

B&H
B&H sell two types of sleeve that would suit:

• One for 6x9cm negs (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42974-REG/Print_File_PF1209HB25_Archival_Storage_Page_for.html)
• The other for 6x4.5 negs (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/356182-REG/Print_File_PF12016HB100_Archival_Storage_Page_for.html)

The problems:
• I have to buy 100 of the 6x4.5 sleeves, enough for 1600 negs; But I only have about 50 negs this size.
• I only have to buy 25 of the 6x9 sleeves, enough for 225 negs. Just about right.

The sleeves are economical enough if you are in the USA, but after converting to Australian dollars, and paying freight and taxes, there's not much change from $150.

All Box
I thought I would seek out other solutions. An Australian company sells sleeves for 6x9 negs (https://www.albox.com.au/product/120-negative-page-25-pack/). Delivered, they would cost under $30. But, they are designed for strip negatives. I can imagine that if I put several single negs into one compartment, I may never get them out again. I suppose I could cut open the sealed end of each compartment, to obtain access from both directions, but I don't know if that would work.

So, any suggestions how I store 6x4.5 negs, and 6x9 negs? About 300 in total, mostly 6x9.

[EinstStein]

1: For 6x9, I think you can use this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Home-Entertainment/ci/4600/N/4294544179
    Though B&H specs said it will fit up to 6x7, actual pock size is 2.5"x3.5", assuming you have negatives from GX690 or Kodak Medalist  (I or II), the size per picture is less than 6cm x 9cm.
    Even if it is larger, I think you can let the film stock out a little off the pocket.

2: For 6x4.5: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/356182-REG/Print_File_PF12016HB100_Archival_Storage_Page_for.html

[BobShaw]

There are places that sell individual sleeves.
Try this one
https://www.photoresource.com.au/NEGATIVE-FILES-s/1957.htm

Honestly though, if they have survived 50+ years in an envelope then that is probably just as good.

[cone@montana.edu]

I recently purchased Archival Methods side lock sleeves in five different shapes and sizes at B&H.  They come in packs of 50 for less than $10 depending on size.
They have 120-sized sleeves for strips of negatives.  Since the negatives I have are mostly cut as yours are, I plan to cut the long 120 sleeves slightly oversize.
I expect other distributors also handle that brand.  There are four or five prominent distributors of archival storage materials in the US.

Rufus in Montana

[guyburns]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I had a look at them all, and then went further afield. As can often happen when you think outside the box, I've found a non-photographic product that I think will be perfect for my 9 x 6 cm negatives…

Collector Card pockets, 9.7 x 6.7 cm, nine per sheet: https://www.albox.com.au/product/collector-card-pocket-25-pack/?attribute_quantity=25. Plenty of different styles on eBay as well.

Honestly though, if they have survived 50+ years in an envelope then that is probably just as good.

Agree totally – except all of these negatives are destined for the archives in Launceston, so they need to be numbered, catalogued and double-checked against my scans, before they are handed over. Sleeves seemed the best option.