Aerial Film Duplication, film preservation,

FILMS?

It can be difficult to scan many aerial films due to their stage of deterioration, a condition known as "Vinegar Syndrome".

UPDR has the solution and expertise - make a duplicate (copy) of the original film using specialised equipment and personnel.

By using a Kodak Niagara or Kodak Colorado and a Kodak Versamat processor, our staff produce an exact copy of the damaged film by reproducing the image onto modern day direct reversal duplicating film the images on this film will last at least 500 years, allowing scanning to be completed as required. All work is conducted with care and precision by our experienced personnel.

The early manufacture of aerial films occurred using Nitrate Base film . Nitrate films were volatile, extremely combustible and a constant fire risk. Thus they were superseded by Acetate Base film during the 1950's. This film when aged, began to deteriorate and became subject to what is now known as the "Vinegar Syndrome". This damage is irreversible and is accelerated by high humidity and temperature. In order to save the valuable and historic images on both film types, it became imperative to duplicate the films onto safety base direct duplicating film. This film has been proven by accelerated aging technique to last at least 500 years.

UPDR is well established and has completed large projects for Governments in the Pacific and Southeast Asian regions. Our staff have had extensive experience in duplicating both nitrate and acetate base films. Each film is assessed and categorised, cleaned, repaired and then duplicated in our purpose built laboratory or within the country where the films are situated.

Deterioration artifacts are distinct between nitrate film (noxious nitric acid gas; amber discoloration; soft, sticky, or powdery film) and acetate film (acetic acid gas, red or blue discoloration, shrinkage, brittleness, presence of bubbles or crystals).

At UPDR we are specialists in duplicating films that have suffered, either physically or chemically. Some may need cleaning and repair prior to being duplicated with our specialised equipment. See our analysis procedures on "Page 2". All work is conducted with care and precision by our experienced personnel.

It is not only nitrate or acetate films that may require duplicating. Safety base films are also duplicated to provide a back-up for scanned images in the event of the loss of digital data. The new duplicate film type can be stored off site at ambient temperatures and around 40%-50% R.H. and is then available to be re-scanned as required.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

Our staff have 85 years combined experience in the duplication of Aerial Films. Some major clients and projects include:

Australian Government - 45,000 feet of aerial film cleaned, repaired and duplicated.

NSW Government - 35,000 feet of film duplicated.

Victorian Government - 80,000 feet of film cleaned, repaired and duplicated.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) - 30,000 feet of film repaired, cleaned and catalogued

International contracts in progress - 237,500 feet of aerial film duplicated. UPDR supplied the equipment, film, chemicals, intellectual property and training to enable the projects to be completed in-house. We also have a comprehensive range of Versamat NEW and USED spare parts (see pics on our"contact us" page

UPDR

UPDR (REGISTERED OFFICE), LEVEL 1, 448 ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA 3004