Photographs from Vietnam still on undeveloped film in containers

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Vertigo

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I was asked by some one today about film from her father's tour in Vietnam that has not been developed and is still in their containers. Has anybody ever had experience with old film? I do not want to open the containers and then be held liable for film that may very well already be bad. Who would I trust to try and develope it?

Thanks,

Vertigo
 
She saw the sign on my vehicle and stopped me when I was walking into Walmart. She is worried about someone making copies and selling them without her permission. She apparently thinks they're worth something.
 
Actually, she should have gone to a film processor.
 
Were they B/W? There aren't many places that process B/W film anymore. She should find a college with a photography department and talk to the professor there.

Or.... call Kodak and see what they say about the viability of the film.
 
As a photographer, and framer, the only people i trust my important film to is Ivey Imaging, here in Seattle. They do work for pro's all over the place, and have huge clients like Pepsi.
If I were you I would not open the containers, (you never know what condition in terms of light leaks the film canisters are in. If they're just canisters with no light tight container around them, then no worries.)
I would call Ivey, (206-623-8113, tech.dept.), and ask them what to do. Film that old can get brittle, depending on what conditions it's been storred in, and it might be hard to find someone to touch it. But, the images also may be valuable, so have her go to someone super professional, not a local "developer" or another photographer.
I would also trust a lab here called Moon Photo, but I would call Ivey first. I know they develop B&W film for me all the time, and they do an great job.
 
This vintage film is probably color and is likely dead. Should there be some black and white film it may still produce some images. I would call Kodak technical in New York (If they still exist) and ask for advise.

Try 1-800-22KODAK
 
Isn't the movie industry in Hollywood most likely to have lots of expertice in dealing with old film stock?

Most labs are only going to know as much as there is a staff mamber that worked there in the 60's or if they are working with this stuff as a specialized service. Even the best labs are only willing to keep old technology as long as they can turn a profit from it, then they bail out on supporting it.

The idea of a university might pay off.

Where's Hugh?
 
I agree with Framah and Bandsaw, call Kodak! You may be sitting on a serious piece of history.

You may or may not get any useable images, but why risk allowing some clown who cannot even find Vietnam on a map to touch these potential treasures?

Call Kodak.
 
I had a customer find a old box camera with film in it. It was from the 30's and images were printable when developed.

aandi.com might be able to help them.

framer
 
Kodachrome film and processing is still available.

When a film is exposed but not developed the image is refered to as a "latent image" - this must be developed. The latent image in black and white films can have an amazing long life before developing and still have images - not so with color film. The latent image in color film is usually long gone in 10 years or less.

About 15 years ago one of my customers bought an old collectable WWII German camera and there was film in it - on developing and printing there was a picture of Hitler in a car in a parade.
 
It likely can still be developed. Processing times would have to be adjusted and if color, strong color shifts would be expected.

It may be best to process very old color film in B&W chemicals to get a usable image.
John
 
Anne,

You can still buy mailers for Kodachrome (and Ektachrome). I think the only place left to do the processing is Fairlawn, New Jersey.

Kodak sold that division several years ago, but still has a say in quality control, so your slides are still treated very well. if I remember correctly, the only service that the guys in NJ have dropped is “push processing” of Ektachrome.
 
Rocky Mountain film Lab will be your best bet, we have used them a number of times and the results have always been fantastic.

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