curled negatives

[myron]

I have old 1960 kodak negatives that I would like to film scan on the HPS20. The problem is that the negatives were wrapped around a thin rectangular box. Thus the negatives are acutely curled and tends to drag and hook into the scanner. What is the best way to flatten out the negatives quickly? Can I iron them without damage?

[ianders1]

Myron,

I certainly wouldn't iron something as delicate as negatives. The way usually flatten them is to place them under heavy books. No, this isn't the fastest way, but after about 12 hours or so, they're usually much flatter, to the point where the film holders will secure them. Otherwise, it takes 2-3 days. If anyone has a faster way, I'd like to hear it

-Ian A.

[Junebug]

If I had your curled negatives here is what I would do to straighten them.

1. Soak or wash them in 70 degree water for about 30 minutes.

2. Dip them in a warm water solution (8 ounces of water with a drop or two of PhotoFlo) PhotoFlow is esentially a water softener that helps eliminate water spots when drying. You can skip the PhotoFlo. The warm water dip just helps the negs dry faster. (Darkroom Voodoo)

3. Squeege/Wipe of the excess water by holding the top of the negative roll with your left thumb and forefinger. Use a Bounty Towel, white, placed in the crotch between your fore and middle finger and slowly wipe/absorb the excess water from the film. This is done in one motion, top to bottom. It should take about 5 seconds applying an even pressure. That pressure is enough to feel that it is glides over the film enough to absorb the water. Then reverse the film holing the bottom this time and wipe/absorb again.

4. Use a spring clothes pin to hang the film from the top and another spring clothes pin on the bottom to weigh down the film and keep it straight.

5. Air dry for about an hour.... Voila.

Additional notes: Since your film is curled/kinked square. You may want to clean out your bath tub. Fill it with about 6 inches of clean water. Use the clothes pins to stretch the film straight and let it soak in the water for up to 90 minutes. Find a place to hang the film that is not dusty and that does not have a lot of air circulating around the film while it is drying. The idea is to prevent airborn dust from adhering to the film while it is drying.

Regards... Junebug

_________________
Junebug Clark / detroit
http://www.MooreClark.com

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Junebug on 2002-05-08 20:32 ]</font>

[myron]

Thanks about the waterbath. It works like a charm.