Cleaning & Lubricating Super 8 Film

[super_8_film]

Hello everyone.

This topic may have been discussed previously in this forum, but so far I haven't been able to find the answer to this question. Anyway, can anyone reccomend a good cleaning liquid/solution that works well for super 8 film? I'm hoping to find something that I can apply to the film after I get it back from the lab in order to remove the dust and other particles that always seem to be present after processing. Can this type of cleaner be easily obtained in any decent photo store, or does it usually have to be ordered? Also, are most film cleaners safe to use on any type of film (color reversal, B&W reversal, and color negative)?

In addition, do most film cleaners also lubricate the film, or is lubricating a completely separate process from cleaning? If this is the case, I would appreciate information on where I can find a good lubricating solution for super 8.

Finally, how, if at all, would the process of using a solution to clean and lubricate the film differ from "professional" telecine prep done at someplace like Super 8 Sound? Is it pretty much the same, or do they use a different type of cleaning and lubricating process?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

-Karl

[Guest]

Is it true that cleaning solutions that dry fast are harmful to film or equipment? Are there quick dry cleaners that have lubrication to compensate for problems?

[filmbuff]

I use ECCO film cleaner. It is a fast drying cleaner that cleans and lubricates the film. I know of no proof that cleaners prematurely age film but non lubricated film will suffer scratches and excessive dust when run through a projector a number of times. ECCO is common, I know Urbanski film supplies sell it (search the web for address).

Kodak use to post lubricate all film that they processed and now that they don't anymore its a good idea to do it yourself especially if you are projecting the film.

[David M. Leugers]

Anyone can do a professional job of cleaning and lubing their films, it is just done with care and attention to detail. I can't recommend enough, PLEASE clean your films on a regular basis with a quality film cleaner/lubricant such as Ecco, Neumade or other brand. Not only will a careful cleaning with one of these products clean and lubricate your films, but will help to prevent scratches, dirt and other damage to your films. They will help keep your films pliable and thus projectable for your lifetime. I have done so religously for over twenty-five years and can state that I have yet to see any degradation of the film image or colour as some worry about. On the opposite, I feel that the image is improved after a good cleaning and lube. Of course, you can not forget to keep your projector and editor spotlessly clean if you want to preserve your precious films. I use Lemon Pledge to thoroughly clean the entire film path and then buff it with a Q-tip after the wax dries. Works great. I am going to try some of Neumade's Xecote to see if it works any better.

[Brian Grundy]

There is a supplies/cleaning 8mm site headed "Phil's Vintage Movies and Collectables":

http://8mm16mmfilmscollectibles.com/supplies.htm

which sells polishing cloths for use on film and film pathway. These are silicone impregnated and also have anticorrosion additives etc. Apparently they are really intended for gun cleaning. "...acts like a magnet to dust and leaves a lustrous finish." Does anyone have experience with these cloths or have opinions about their desirability?
Thanking all in anticipation.

[Guest]

I've read in several threads on different boards that Ecco is an excellent cleaner. However, no one ever seems to tell which type of cloth/wipe they use. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Roget

[CHAS]

Any kind of lint-free cloth will work. Some guy on e-bay sells them in rolls all the time under the "movie accessories" or "editing" sections.
The Ecco stuff is like rubbing alcohol, it dries quickly, so you can pretty much use any sort of cloth that won't leave detritus on your film.