"java" <javadesigner@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:fv09bb$9uhu$1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hi all:
>
> I don't know too much about photography. I own a
> point and shoot digicam and that's about it.
>
> I have a stack of old 35mm film photographs. Some
> of them are faded and some of them are stuck to
> each other (meaning the photos were stacked on
> top of each other, stuffed in a envelope, and now
> the photos are kind of stuck to each other).
>
> These photos are quite precious. Yes, I was careless
> back then.
>
> I don't have any negatives. Just the printed/processsed
> photos (on normal paper or whatever it was that
> CVS/Rite-Aid/etc used to print negatives onto).
>
> I would like to scan and archive all of these photos.
> Money (to a reasonable limit) is no object -- I'm
> willing to spend around $500-1000 if need be.
>
> So 2 questions:
> 1) What is the best way to unstick the photos ? What
> sort of solution/liquid would do the trick.
> 2) What is the best way to scan these photos ? I've
> heard a drum-scanner is the way to go -- any good/trusted
> places in Philadelphia or Manhattan ? [If they would
> unstick the photos for me, that's even better]
>
> Thanks and best regards,
> --j
First the drum scanner-- since you are dealing with prints, you should get
reasonable results from a good flatbed scanner. I like my Epson, but there
are many good models on the market at prices less than $100.
As for un-sticking them: We need to determine whether they are RC (resin
coated) paper, which is mor a plastic than a paper, or are they older
photo
paper prints? If they are after the mid 1970's they are probably RC paper.
You could soak them in a tray of water with a little photo-flo added, and
they will fairly easily come apart. Rinse them a couple minutes and lay
them
face up on cloth towels to dry. If they are the older paper, the job will
be
more difficult.
Since you are in a metro area, it may be a good idea to take them to a
professional photo lab to get some recommendations. If they won't tackle
them (liability issues), they may suggest someone who will try. You could
also try the conservator at a museum. Or check with Kodak, either their
website or in Rochester.
If you can determine that there are some stuck prints that aren't quite so
precious, use them to experiment.
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