One of the following categories will take you to questions dealing with that topic or just scroll down to read more.
VINEGAR SYNDROME
COLOR FADING
DRYNESS
USEAGE VARIABLES
TYPES OF APPLICATIONS
HISTORY
VINEGAR SYNDROME
1) Should I use VITAFILM on prints that are in good condition? Will doing so prevent Vinegar Syndrome?
We believe the answer is yes. We know of no prints that were ever soaked in VITAFILM that later developed Vinegar Syndrome. Also, it will maintain the pliability of the print for many years. Preventative conditioning is the best defense against Vinegar Syndrome.
2) Why does VITAFILM stop Vinegar Syndrome when other products do not?Vinegar Syndrome is simply the film base breaking down into it’s original components, cellulose acetate and acetic acid (it is the acid that gives off the vinegar smell). VITAFILM halts this chemical reaction by acting as a stabilizer.
3) If I dip a Vinegar print in VITAFILM will it contaminate the solution?No. You can safely dip any number of prints in the same solution until VITAFILM is gone.
4) Does VITAFILM stop color prints from fading?
All color prints (except TECHNICIOLOR IB & Kodachrome) will eventually fade. VITAFILM does slow the process however, by helping to stabilize the chemical reaction that causes fading.
DRYNESS
5) Will VITAFILM help dry brittle prints that will no longer run through my projector?
Yes. It will restore the pliability that the print had when it was new. It also helps lubricate the print so it will run smoothly again through your projector.
USAGE VARIABLES
6) How often should I use VITAFILM on a print?
If you soak the print in VITAFILM as directed you will probably never need to treat it again.
7) How much film will a gallon of VITAFILM treat?One gallon is enough to treat (32) 2000’ rolls of 35mm (about $2.00 per roll).
One gallon is enough to treat (80) 1600’ rolls of 16mm (about $1.00 per roll).
8) How many times can I safely treat a print with VITAFILM?There is no limit. VITAFILM is absolutely safe to use again and again.
9) How long will VITAFILM last?VITAFILM can be used and reused again and again. It will stay 100% effective until it is completely gone. It has an unlimited shelf life.
TYPES OF APPLICATIONS
10) Is there any type of film that might be harmed by VITAFILM?
No.
VITAFILM is absolutely safe to use on all types of film.
NITRATE, the earliest stock manufactured (Very Flammable)
DIACETATE, the first common form of “safety film” (Non Flammable)
TRIACETATE, which we know today as “acetate” or “safety film”
POLYESTER or “ESTAR”, extremely tough, an almost unbreakable film that hopefully will be immune to the chemical breakdown that nitrate and acetate films are subject to.
11) Is VITAFILM safe to use on IB Technicolor prints?Yes. We have successfully treated several hundred IB prints that ranged in age from the early 1940’s (nitrate) to the end of the IB era in 1976 (acetate). All results were excellent.
12) Is VITAFILM safe to use on prints with a magnetic sound stripe?
Yes. VITAFILM will not harm the magnetic oxide striping on release prints. It is also safe to use on all types of 16mm and 35mm full coat, single and multi stripe magnetic sound stock, on both acetate and Estar base.
13) What about Nitrate prints & negatives?
As with acetate film, VITAFILM will restore pliability to film damaged by age or inadequate storage conditions. VITAFILM also halts the deterioration of nitrate stock due to its unique ability to stabilize the chemical reactions that cause decomposition.
14) Is VITAFILM safe to use on old diacetate prints?
Yes. VITAFILM works very well on diacetate prints. You can expect the same excellent results as with today’s triacetate stock.
15) What about Polyester or “Estar” prints?
VITAFILM makes this type of film less susceptible to scratching and eliminates static that attracts dirt. It also lubricates and helps extend the stability of the color image.
16) What about my old 8mm and Super 8 home movies?
VITAFILM works well on all types of 8mm and Super 8 home movies. It will restore the pliability of the print, lubricate and protect it from mold, fungus and Vinegar Syndrome
HISTORY
17) Why was VITAFILM taken off the market in the mid 1980’s?VITAFILM stopped being manufactured because the owners of the formula moved on to other business interests. Around that time the problem of Vinegar Syndrome was just beginning to be noticed by the film community. No one yet realized that VITAFILM would become the ultimate answer to the growing epidemic.
18) Is it true VITAFILM was invented in 1927? If so, what did they use it for back then?The story goes that VITAFILM was invented by a chemical engineer who worked for the Goodyear Rubber Company. His hobby was shooting 35mm home movies, but his wife feared the flammability of nitrate film. After a nearly disastrous fire in the family living room, she banned his film collection from the house. To keep peace in the family, he concocted a liquid that he used on fresh nitrate film to significantly reduce its flammability. This formula became VITAFILM. As yet, we have not been able to duplicate this aspect of his invention. The key could be that it works only on “fresh” nitrate film. And, since the “freshest” nitrate is now over 50 years old, we may never know if this story is really true. Nevertheless, the proven capabilities of VITAFILM make it the foremost product available in the ongoing effort to restore and maintain our precious film heritage before it is too late.
VITAFILM stops the clock.