1. CRAC STAFF WORKSHOP IMAGING MARCH 15, 2011
Micrographics 101
CRAC STAFF WORKSHOP
IMAGING
MARCH 15, 2011

2. DISCLAIMER / WARNING
This is a training workshop, but local practices do vary from county to county according to local policy and practice as well as local county counsel opinions.
No practice or procedure you become aware of as a result of this workshop should be implemented in your own office without the full AWARENESS and APPROVAL of the County Clerk or Recorder for whom you work.

3. Microfilm Formats Roll - 16mm and 35mm Cartridges Microfiche - Jackets
Microfiche - Step & Repeat
Computer Output Microfilm (COM)
Aperture Cards

4. Microfilm Types Silver Halide Camera Negative Silver Duplicate
Acetate Base - LE100
Polyester Base - LE500
Suitable for “Archival” Storage

5. Microfilm Types
Diazo
Duplicating Film used for making same polarity “working” copies
Processed using Ammonia
Not Suitable for “Archival” Storage
Comes in Black, Blue-Black & Blue Colors

6. Microfilm Types Vesicular
Duplicating Film used for making reverse polarity “working” copies
Not Suitable for “Archival” Storage
Comes in various colors

7. Silver Halide Microfilm Processing
Requires a film processor with toxic chemicals
Polysulfide Toning will increase resistance to redox
Processing needs to be monitored for quality
Consistent Density
Scratches, Water Spots
Regular Methylene Blue Testing

8. Storage Conditions “Archival” Enclosures
Plastic Boxes - pure polypropylene or polyethylene
Acid-free, lignin-free paper boxes
ISO 18902: (formerly ANSI/AIIM )

9. Storage Conditions Climate Control Temperature - 70º F or LESS
Humidity 30-35% RH
Minimal variation within a 24 hour period - 5%
ISO 18911:2000

10. Storage Conditions Pollution
Formaldehyde - carpeting, insulation, synthetic fabrics
Ozone – smog, copiers, laser printers
Peroxide - breakdown of paper fibers (Lignin) by acids

11. Microfilm Degradation
Redox
Appears as red spots or silver “sheen” on the emulsion side of the film
Most commonly caused by Peroxide gas released from low quality microfilm boxes
Can also be cause by atmospheric pollutants listed above
Effects both Acetate and Polyester Films
Removing the source of the oxidant will halt the problem, but it can’t be cured
Prevention is the key

12. Microfilm Degradation - Redox Photos

13. Microfilm Degradation
Vinegar Syndrome
Affects Acetate base film only - Polyester film is immune.
Acetate film stored properly should last 100 years before the onset of symptoms.
Acetate base degrades with time, temperature and humidity - releasing Acetic Acid which causes the base to shrink and warp.
Higher temperature and humidity will accelerate the process. Once the Vinegar smell begins, colder temperature/lower humidity will slow down the process but it is irreversible. The only solution is to make a silver duplicate on polyester film before the damage becomes too great.

14. Microfilm Degradation - Vinegar Syndrome Photos

15. Microfilm Generations
Camera Negative - 1st Generation - readable looking at base of the film
2nd Generation - duplicate made from the Camera Negative - readable looking at the emulsion side of the film
3rd Generation - duplicate made from the 2nd Generation - readable looking at the base of the film
etc.

16. Silver Halide Microfilm Structure
From Keeping the Legacy of Trust by Robert Breslawski - Eastman Kodak Company
“Older” microfilm has an acetate base
“Newer” microfilm has a polyester base

17. How to determine the emulsion side
The emulsion side of the film is duller than the base side
Look at a dark section the film in reflected light and compare the two sides
If you can’t tell which is the dull side:
Lip Test - emulsion side will stick to your lip, the base won’t
Scratch Test - a deep scratch on the emulsion side will remove the emulsion (do this far away from any images, please!!!!)

18. Film Polarity Negative - white letters on a black background
Positive - black letters on a white/clear background
Photostats - see the next slide there isn’t enough room on this one!!

19. Photostats - the original
The original “photocopy” process
A full-size photographic reproduction of the original document
It was a “wet processed” photographic negative
The original document was returned to the owner. The Official Record was a photographic, negative paper copy - white letters on a black background

20. Photostat of an Official
Record Document

21. Photostats microfilmed
By definition, “normally” processed microfilm is a “negative” copy of the document that was filmed (“original”)
However, in this case, the “original” was a “negative”
A negative of a negative is a positive - -2 X -2 = +4
So microfilmed photostats are “negatives” that appear “positive”
Got it??

22. Film Examples Negative film - note the film is clear between
the frames
Positive film - note
the film is black between
the frames
Photostats - documents
appear positive, but the
film is clear between
the frames

23. Final Thoughts Always handle film by the edges and wear gloves
Camera negative film should never be used as a “working copy”
Camera negative film should be stored in a secure, climate controlled vault
Camera negative film should be stored in proper “Archival” boxes
Don’t put camera negative film in cartridges
Do you know where your film is?