The international photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

Eight T h INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER December, 1934 The Care of Film in the Tropics By CARL BERGER, Local 644, New York {Written Especially for The International Photographer) 50,000 ft. of negative and complete extra tropical equipment ready for shipment. Note screws used in covers to facilitate opening and repacking. A complete tropical shipment ready to be cased. Complete extra equipment for a tropical expedition consisting of two dessicators, film packing paper, calcium chloride, tape, lacquer and brushes. HE care and packing of film for the tropics is one of the most important problems of the cameraman. The results of an entire expedition hinge upon the care exercised before and after exposure of the film. In all my tropical experience I have never found a better method of packing and shipping film than was used by the Dupont Film Manufacturing Corp. for Frank Buck's "Bring 'em Back Alive," which I had the pleasure of photographing. We left New York on March 27th, 1931, returning December 13th, 1931, exposing over 176,000 feet of negative, and when the exposed negative was developed in New York the laboratory marveled at its excellent condition. Not a single inch of film was spoiled by its exposure to tropical conditions. The following was the method in which this film was handled. The tape around each individual film can was coated with a good coat of Clear Duco. When dry, these were packed in metal containers holding from 2 to 6 rolls. The containers were then sealed with a metal strip, soft soldered, so that it could be easily pulled off by starting at an extended end. This is done either with a key or a pair of pliers. After sealing these cans were packed in strong, well constructed wooden cases put together with screws. These cases were zinc lined, soldered, and insulated with celotex. The lids were then screwed down. Heavy rope handles, staggered to facilitate easy handling without swinging, were provided. This precaution prevented the use of hooks which might puncture case and lining and so damage film. No tropical expedition is complete without extra shipping cases containing several dessicators, a quantity of specially packed calcium chloride, extra rolls of tape in tins, a quantity of black paper, Clear Duco varnish and brushes. As much care should be taken in packing these accessories as the film itself, for they are subject to the same tropical conditions. The calcium chloride should be packed in individual cans, ready for use, the cans to be taped and coated with Duco and then packed in larger cans each holding 12 to 14 smaller cans. The black paper is best packed 50 sheets to the can, sealed and Ducoed. Be sure to take plenty along as the paper furnished with the film cannot be used over again. At this point it is advisable to say a few words about the Dupont Dessicator, which is one of the most important adjuncts on any expedition. It is a metal container consisting of a film standard, screen cover for chemicals, film seperator, washers, lid and clamp. In dessicating, first remove tape and cover from can of calcium chloride and place it in bottom of dessicator, being careful not to spill any chemicals. Then place the screen covering over the can. Now mount first exposed roll on the standard and slip washer between it and the next roll. This allows sufficient air space between rolls for chemical action to take place. When sufficient rolls have been loaded on standard, place it carefully in dessicator and clamp lid tightly. In order to properly dessicate the film it has been found necessary to keep film in dessicator for at least twenty-four hours. Keep dessicator in upright position and see that no one jars it thus causing chemicals to scatter and touch portions of film, as this is likely to spoil portions so touched. The importance of dessicating negatives is demonstrated by our experience in which, upon removing the dessicated film after 24 hours, we found the calcium chloride almost dissolved, due to its absorption of moisture. At other times the absorption was less, and in some cases the chemical looked as though it was never used. The surprising thing was that we could never tell from the weather, how much, or how little absorption would take place. We did find however that at times the film was so moist that it felt spongy to the touch as we placed it in the dessicator. We then knew we would find at least half a can of water upon opening the dessicator the next day. This applies particularly to unexposed film left in magazines over two days. In removing can of water or chemicals care should be taken that none be spilled on film, or sides of dessicator. Before using dessicator again be sure it is wiped dry of all chemical dust and moisture. Immediately after dessicating open one of the cans of black paper and use this in packing film for return voyage. Great care should now be taken to repack the film in the same manner as it was received, using original cans, containers and sealing the cans with tape where the strip was soldered. This should be coated with several coats of Clear Duco. When dry the cans are replaced in the original shipping cases and ready for transportation home. Before closing it may be mentioned that any film left in magazines for several days before exposing should be dessicated in the same manner, before using. Careful following of above instruction should pay for any extra trouble taken. To properly care for 6,000 feet per day, it is necessary to devote two to three hours daily for loading, unloading, dessicating and packing. Thus, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.