Cleaning/Prepping Kodachrome Slides

[bayernfan]

I just purchased a massive slide collection from an estate sale. Most of them are Kodachrome and Ektachrome shot in the 1960s. They look beautiful projected, but I know I'll run into some dust/fingerprint issues when I begin scanning.

Suggestions and tips on getting the selects squeaky clean?

 

[PKR]

I just purchased a massive slide collection from an estate sale. Most of them are Kodachrome and Ektachrome shot in the 1960s. They look beautiful projected, but I know I'll run into some dust/fingerprint issues when I begin scanning.

Suggestions and tips on getting the selects squeaky clean?

I used Kodak brand film cleaner on my Kodachromes when necessary. It's the only thing I ever used. It worked well. A bottle lasts me a long time.. like years. I don't know if it's still made. You might get some cotton film (archival) gloves.

 

[x-ray]

I'd suggest nothing more than a soft camels hair brush and compressed air. If you're up against major krud you could try film cleaner like Kami or one of the other brands. I've used film cleaner and pecpads or similar.

Get familiar with the spotting tool in photoshop. You're going to need it.

 

[bayernfan]

thank you guys. the majority of the slides were stored very well, so i'm hoping i can get by with the blower/brush method. good to know there's a dedicated liquid cleaner for super nasty gunk.

i use the spot tool in lightroom quite frequently for film scratches, that'll be no problem.

 

[ReeRay]

Pec 12 solvent and pads. Been using it for years. Highly recommended

 

[Rob-F]

For dust, I use the "Rocket Blower." They come in three sizes. I use the large in the darkroom for film. The medium and small sizes live in my camera bags for lenses. My rule is, use the blower first before the brush.

I've almost never needed a liquid cleaning fluid. I think that would be difficult if the film is in a cardboard mount. With a little luck the blower and brush may be all you need.

 

[charjohncarter]

I've had a few with imbedded dust. H2O won't loosen it, I haven't tried solvents but resort to the healing tool.

This is one with imbedded dust (1945~), I used the select and blur tool to 'fix' the sky.

KodaChrome 10 by John Carter, on Flickr

 

[jarski]

For dust, I use the "Rocket Blower."

this is good for digital sensors but for dusting negatives Id prefer compressed air.

edit: charjohncarter thats amazing pic 🙂

 

[Dwig]

I'd suggest nothing more than a soft camels hair brush and compressed air. If you're up against major krud you could try film cleaner like Kami or one of the other brands. I've used film cleaner and pecpads or similar.

Get familiar with the spotting tool in photoshop. You're going to need it.

Personally, I suggest only compressed air or a good blower, only. I never touch the film with anything until I have the best possible scan before doing any further cleaning. Touching the film surface with anything runs the risk of damaging the film further.

I agree that if you need to clean the film you should use nothing other than compressed air and/or a perfectly clean (bristles never touched by human hands) Camel's hair brush.

If you must use a liquid cleaner you need to unmount the slides first. Otherwise you just push the crud to the edges. You don't actually remove it.

 

[bayernfan]

If you must use a liquid cleaner you need to unmount the slides first. Otherwise you just push the crud to the edges. You don't actually remove it.

excellent point. thanks.

 

[bayernfan]

I've had a few with imbedded dust. H2O won't loosen it, I haven't tried solvents but resort to the healing tool.

This is one with imbedded dust (1945~), I used the select and blur tool to 'fix' the sky.

thanks for the note, and beautiful image.

 

[charjohncarter]

this is good for digital sensors but for dusting negatives Id prefer compressed air.

edit: charjohncarter thats amazing pic 🙂

I should have credited the photographer: W. K. Amonette. I have all his slides from 1939 to early 1970s.

 

[x-ray]

Personally, I suggest only compressed air or a good blower, only. I never touch the film with anything until I have the best possible scan before doing any further cleaning. Touching the film surface with anything runs the risk of damaging the film further.

I agree that if you need to clean the film you should use nothing other than compressed air and/or a perfectly clean (bristles never touched by human hands) Camel's hair brush.

If you must use a liquid cleaner you need to unmount the slides first. Otherwise you just push the crud to the edges. You don't actually remove it.

I've used either a Kodak cammels hair brush or static master brush for 50 years without ever damaging a piece of film. I use them on both B&W
Negs and color transparencies. For years I used the Kodak electrostatic film cleaner that had 2 large brushes you pull the film through. Again no scratches.

 

[PKR]

I've used either a Kodak cammels hair brush or static master brush for 50 years without ever damaging a piece of film. I use them on both B&W
Negs and color transparencies. For years I used the Kodak electrostatic film cleaner that had 2 large brushes you pull the film through. Again no scratches.

Yep, same experience.

 

[Ronald M]

Prevention is best. Mine are in trays inside a case inside a cabinet.

Kodachrome is laquered so use no lacquer solvents.

Start with no touch like compressed air, then a brush.. I would be Leary about going further.

 

[PKR]

Prevention is best. Mine are in trays inside a case inside a cabinet.

Kodachrome is laquered so use no lacquer solvents.

Start with no touch like compressed air, then a brush.. I would be Leary about going further.

The old Kodak film cleaner is safe for Kodachrome. My Kodachromes often went to a lithographer for printing. The film was scanned on a Scitex scanner in prep for plate making. They were often returned fingerprinted or had other temporary wounds. So I got good at restoring them.

The worst thing I think, is dragging a sharp particle across the emulsion. A small brush will remove any hard stuff before using a cleaner. I use Kemp Wipes to clean the film surface.. changing to a clean side for each wipe.

It's pretty much the way I clean a camera sensor but, with different materials.