This is topic A Question for John Pytlak in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 06-05-2000, 10:16 AM:
I suspect everyone is familiar with the usual color release stocks and their dye stability but I, for one, would love to know the real story about the period in the late '70's and very early '80's when Eastman was experimenting with SP and finally LPP. I have been told that there was also a stock known as Eastman 4-L or 4-S which has excellent color retention. Is this true, and if so what are the edge codes. I have some titles from this period (chiefly MGM Labs) which are simply labled Eastman, yet have spectacular color to this day. Hopefully others may share my curiosity. Thanks to John or anyone else who can help with this.
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-05-2000, 01:43 PM:
Kodak developed newer classes of dyes for color print film during the 1970's. Because they were much more expensive to manufacture, they were introduced in "premium" products intended for prints having long-term value (most release prints are deliberately destroyed after the initial release). The films were EASTMAN Color LF Print Film 7378 (for process ECP) and EASTMAN Color LFSP Print Film 7379 (for process ECP-2), introduced in 1979. In 1982, EASTMAN Color Print Film 7/5384 was introduced, using the more stable dyes and available at regular prices for ALL prints. Product improvements since then have always included image stability as a key feature, even for release prints.
This information is all contained on Kodak's website:
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/about/chrono4.shtml
Of course, processing (especially the washes) and storage conditions can significantly affect long term stability of both the image and film base.
SMPTE Recommended Practice RP 131 specifies proper storage conditions for maximum film life. NAPM IT9.11 (ISO 18911) also specifies proper storage conditions.
Kodak publication H-23 "The Book of Film Care" has much good information about film handling and storage. It is available on Kodak's web site:
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/support/technical/care.shtml
------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com