Re: [Leica] Forties Film in metal canisters, Nitrate

["Dan Post" <dwpost@email.msn.com>]

Mark-
Not too much danger. Cellulose Nitrate was one of the 'first' plastics, and
was used to make detachable collars way back when, and billiard balls- and
even piano keys as it was a cheap substitute for ivory.
I had heard of a story where a pool player, holding a cigar, happened to
touch a ball with his hot ash while making a shot ( I understand he didn't
complete it!), but it was used commonly for combs, brush handles, and even
toothbrush handles- under the name 'Celluloid'. In fact, I have a recipe in
my Chemistry and Physics handbook from 1946 that calls for dissolving
toothbrush handles in acetone to make a varnish for sealing aquariums!
Probable aking to the butyl 'dope' used on fabric airplanes, way back when,
again.
Even as recently, as the 60's I had celluloid guitar and banjo picks, and
they were fun to burn in an ashtray!
The celluloid was made flexible with the addition of a 'plasticizer' ,
usually camphor, and unless you have a vault full of the stuff, I wouldn't
worry.
If it does bother you, put it in a metal can with a lid, and rest easy!
Dan- Trafficker in Odd Knowledge.( Known as the "Answer Grape" to really
close friends....:o}~ )

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Rabiner <mrabiner@concentric.net>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 1999 1:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Forties Film in metal canisters, Nitrate


> My father in law had about 20 rolls of film in metal canisters which he
> had apparently processed himself. Mainly panatomic and plus x from the
> late forties early fifties. But at least two rolls that said "Nitrate"
> on them.
> I wound these extreamly tightly by now wound film onto metal reels and
> washed them, Re rapid fixed with no hardener them and washed them some
> more. Hung them up to dry where they became manegable and stuffed them
> into plastic sleeves to be contacted. Some of the little snippet's of the
> Nitrate film are still in my garbage can as I type. My question is:
> Is my basement on fire now as I type or will I be warned by the sound of
> an explosion.
> I assume they would only be dangerous in the form of a severely dried
> out movie reel.  But I really don't know and don't want to be sitting on
> a time bomb.
> Mark Rabiner