Photonegatives identification tips
Notch codes
One step toward determining whether a film negative is cellulose nitrate is to examine the notch codes and the film type wording on the edges of the negative. Following is a chart, dated May 2001, source unknown . (A) denotes safety film, (N) denotes nitrate. "Possibly" indicates that in our testing using other methods (burn test, acid test, etc. described at http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/14-09.pdf ) we found that on occasion the film was nitrate whereas the notch code and the wording printed on the film would have led us to believe that it was safety film.
Arrangement of these descriptions:
Notch codes
One step toward determining whether a film negative is cellulose nitrate is to examine the notch codes and the film type wording on the edges of the negative. Following is a chart, dated May 2001, source unknown . (A) denotes safety film, (N) denotes nitrate. "Possibly" indicates that in our testing using other methods (burn test, acid test, etc. described at http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/14-09.pdf ) we found that on occasion the film was nitrate whereas the notch code and the wording printed on the film would have led us to believe that it was safety film.
Arrangement of these descriptions:
We have grouped these by physical type of film markings: V-shaped notches, square notches, combinations of V-shapes and squares, and no notches at all.
Additional online resources for identification of nitrate negatives:
Code notches for KODAK sheet films, Eastman Kodak Company, April 2004, 2 pages (pdf)
Identification of film-base photographic materials, National Park Service Conserv O Gram Number 14/9, Sept. 1999, 4 pages (pdf).
A short guide to film-base photographic materials: Identification, care, and duplication, by Monique Fischer, Photograph Conservator, Northeast Document Conservation Center, updated 2007, 11 pages.
Guidelines for Care & Identification of Film-Base Photographic Materials, Monique C. Fischer and Andrew Robb, Art Conservation Program, University of Delaware, Winterthur Museum, 1993.
The dangers of cellulose nitrate film (includes a brief historical note of assistance in identifying this type of film), by the Health and Safety Executive in the U.K., Aug. 2003, 16 pages.
From Richard Pearce-Moses (ed.) Visual Materials Bibliography (available in Conservation OnLine):
Horvath, David. "The Acetate Negative Survey: Final Report:" A project funded by the University of Louisville and the National Museum Act. Louisville, Ky: Photographic Archives, Eckstron Library, University of Louisville, 1987. Unpublished report which received limited distribution. A history and analysis of acetate negatives, their stability, and recommendations for preservation. Includes a guide to notch codes. 91 pages.
Caring for cellulose nitrate film, National Park Service Conserv O Gram Number 14/8, April 1998, 4 pages (pdf).
This guide was compiled by Todd Ellison, Certified Archivist
Code notches for KODAK sheet films, Eastman Kodak Company, April 2004, 2 pages (pdf)
Identification of film-base photographic materials, National Park Service Conserv O Gram Number 14/9, Sept. 1999, 4 pages (pdf).
A short guide to film-base photographic materials: Identification, care, and duplication, by Monique Fischer, Photograph Conservator, Northeast Document Conservation Center, updated 2007, 11 pages.
Guidelines for Care & Identification of Film-Base Photographic Materials, Monique C. Fischer and Andrew Robb, Art Conservation Program, University of Delaware, Winterthur Museum, 1993.
The dangers of cellulose nitrate film (includes a brief historical note of assistance in identifying this type of film), by the Health and Safety Executive in the U.K., Aug. 2003, 16 pages.
From Richard Pearce-Moses (ed.) Visual Materials Bibliography (available in Conservation OnLine):
Horvath, David. "The Acetate Negative Survey: Final Report:" A project funded by the University of Louisville and the National Museum Act. Louisville, Ky: Photographic Archives, Eckstron Library, University of Louisville, 1987. Unpublished report which received limited distribution. A history and analysis of acetate negatives, their stability, and recommendations for preservation. Includes a guide to notch codes. 91 pages.
Caring for cellulose nitrate film, National Park Service Conserv O Gram Number 14/8, April 1998, 4 pages (pdf).
This guide was compiled by Todd Ellison, Certified Archivist
