Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 (Tek) 9/26/83; site tekig1.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!tektronix!tekig1!briand From: briand@tekig1.UUCP (Brian Diehm) Newsgroups: net.rec.photo Subject: Transparency Longevity Message-ID: <1738@tekig1.UUCP> Date: Thu, 9-Aug-84 15:17:49 EDT Article-I.D.: tekig1.1738 Posted: Thu Aug 9 15:17:49 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 10-Aug-84 08:28:56 EDT Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR Lines: 29 {} Most Ektachrome slides of 20 years age are by now showing definite fading, specifically of reds and yellows. Most Kodachromes of 40 years ago are still in pretty good shape, if stored carefully. I understand that Kodak claims that today's Ektachrome is as stable as the Kodachrome of 40 years ago, and that Kodachrome has itself been improved. Unfortunately, I can cite no sources for the above information. If you are concerned about longevity of your slides, be aware that you can enhance their performance in this area by providing proper storage for the long term: dark, low temperature, controlled low humidity but not absolutely dry. Also, avoid cyclical changes in temperature or humidity. Be careful of the storage containers you use too; most of the vinyl slide sheets will quickly deteriorate the images they are to "protect." Archival slide pages are avail- able, and Mylar is one of the recommended materials. Kodak puts out publications about storage of images - of course, Kodak puts out publications about *EVERYTHING*! The U.S. Government also has some info on archival storage of photographic materials, specifically slides. They also put out publications about *EVERYTHING*! The mylar recommendation comes from some government agency or other. Calumet Photographic, Inc. carries archival slide storage materials, in- cluding transparent sheets and ringed binders, all of which do not outgas any polymers. I am sure there are many other sources as well. -Brian Diehm Tektronix, Inc.