Micrographics 101

CRAC STAFF WORKSHOP

IMAGING

MARCH 15, 2011

DISCLAIMER / WARNING

This is a training workshop, but local practices do vary from county to county according to local policy and practice as well as local county counsel opinions.

No practice or procedure you become aware of as a result of this workshop should be implemented in your own office without the full AWARENESS and APPROVAL of the County Clerk or Recorder for whom you work.

Microfilm Formats

Roll - 16mm and 35mm Cartridges Microfiche - Jackets Microfiche - Step & Repeat Computer Output Microfilm

(COM)

Aperture Cards

Microfilm Types Silver Halide

Camera Negative Silver Duplicate Acetate Base - LE100 Polyester Base - LE500 Suitable for “Archival” Storage

Microfilm Types Diazo

Duplicating Film used for making same polarity “working” copies

Processed using Ammonia Not Suitable for “Archival” Storage Comes in Black, Blue-Black & Blue

Colors

Microfilm Types Vesicular

Duplicating Film used for making reverse polarity “working” copies

Not Suitable for “Archival” Storage Comes in various colors

Silver Halide Microfilm Processing

Requires a film processor with toxic chemicals

Polysulfide Toning will increase resistance to redox

Processing needs to be monitored for quality Consistent Density Scratches, Water Spots Regular Methylene Blue Testing

Storage Conditions

“Archival” Enclosures Plastic Boxes - pure polypropylene or

polyethylene Acid-free, lignin-free paper boxes ISO 18902:2001 - (formerly ANSI/AIIM

9.2-1991)

Storage Conditions

Climate Control Temperature - 70º F or LESS Humidity 30-35% RH Minimal variation within a 24 hour period

- 5% ISO 18911:2000

Storage Conditions

Pollution Formaldehyde - carpeting, insulation,

synthetic fabrics Ozone – smog, copiers, laser printers Peroxide - breakdown of paper fibers

(Lignin) by acids

Microfilm Degradation Redox

Appears as red spots or silver “sheen” on the emulsion side of the film

Most commonly caused by Peroxide gas released from low quality microfilm boxes

Can also be cause by atmospheric pollutants listed above

Effects both Acetate and Polyester Films Removing the source of the oxidant will

halt the problem, but it can’t be cured Prevention is the key

Microfilm Degradation -Redox Photos

Microfilm Degradation Vinegar Syndrome

Affects Acetate base film only - Polyester film is immune.

Acetate film stored properly should last 100 years before the onset of symptoms.

Acetate base degrades with time, temperature and humidity - releasing Acetic Acid which causes the base to shrink and warp.

Higher temperature and humidity will accelerate the process. Once the Vinegar smell begins, colder temperature/lower humidity will slow down the process but it is irreversible. The only solution is to make a silver duplicate on polyester film before the damage becomes too great.

Microfilm Degradation - Vinegar Syndrome Photos

Microfilm Generations Camera Negative - 1st Generation -

readable looking at base of the film 2nd Generation - duplicate made from

the Camera Negative - readable looking at the emulsion side of the film

3rd Generation - duplicate made from the 2nd Generation - readable looking at the base of the film

etc.

Silver Halide Microfilm Structure

“Older” microfilm has an acetate base

“Newer” microfilm has a polyester base

From Keeping the Legacy of Trust by Robert Breslawski - Eastman Kodak Company

How to determine the emulsion side

The emulsion side of the film is duller than the base side

Look at a dark section the film in reflected light and compare the two sides

If you can’t tell which is the dull side: Lip Test - emulsion side will stick to your

lip, the base won’t Scratch Test - a deep scratch on the

emulsion side will remove the emulsion (do this far away from any images, please!!!!)

Film Polarity Negative - white letters on a

black background Positive - black letters on a

white/clear background Photostats - see the next slide

there isn’t enough room on this one!!

Photostats - the original The original “photocopy” process A full-size photographic reproduction

of the original document It was a “wet processed” photographic

negative The original document was returned to

the owner. The Official Record was a photographic, negative paper copy - white letters on a black background

Photostat of an Official Record Document

Photostats microfilmed By definition, “normally” processed

microfilm is a “negative” copy of the document that was filmed (“original”)

However, in this case, the “original” was a “negative”

A negative of a negative is a positive - -2 X -2 = +4

So microfilmed photostats are “negatives” that appear “positive”

Got it??

Film ExamplesNegative film - note the film is clear between

the frames

Positive film - note the film is black betweenthe frames

Photostats - documentsappear positive, but thefilm is clear betweenthe frames

Final Thoughts Always handle film by the edges and

wear gloves Camera negative film should never be

used as a “working copy” Camera negative film should be stored

in a secure, climate controlled vault Camera negative film should be stored

in proper “Archival” boxes Don’t put camera negative film in

cartridges Do you know where your film is?