Condition of Film/Reel Sizes

Old film strip

Note:
Measure reels (not the film) from left to right across face at widest point.

Film Condition

  • When 8mm 16mm Films are in the metal cans, that’s one of the worst places they can be stored
  • The films rot over time because the bad gases built up and no fresh air circulates.
  • 8mm 16mm Film needs to be smooth, flat, pliable.. NOT hard, fused together, twisted warped, brittle.
  • 8mm 16mm films will smell like strong vinegar as they deteriorate over time.
  • We can get images and video footage from very distressed film, even if they rot, they warp, they shrink and stink. (Vinegar Syndrome)
rusted film reel

8mm (1/4″ wide) Reel Sizes Are 3″ 5″ 6″ and 7″

  • 3″ 50 foot
  • 5″ 200 feet
  • 6″ 300 feet
  • 7″ 400 feet
  • Reels have footage markings on the Spokes. Also need # of each.
finger pointing to film in a reel

16mm (5/8 Inch wide)

  • 2 7/8″ = 50 foot
  • 3 7/8″ – 100 foot
  • 7″ 400 foot up to 18″ across
  • 7″ and larger reels have footage markings on the Spokes.
  • Reels have footage markings on the Spokes.
  • We can get images and video footage from very distressed film.
old film reel