AboutDave Nyce Expertise I have used SLR cameras for 30 years and have taught classes on photography at work for my co-workers. I had a darkroom for 20 years, but now am using mostly digital cameras. I can answer questions on equipment and techniques for photography, but am not an expert on specific model numbers of cameras or accessories.
Question QUESTION: I have lots of negatives (60+ years old) that have been in a shoebox for many years. My brother has purchased a scanner that will scan the negatives so that they can be printed. Should they be cleaned first with some sort of solution for best results? Or should they just be wiped with a cotton cloth?
ANSWER: It is best not to directly touch the negatives, in order to avoid scratches. Photo shops sell a brush that includes a squeeze bulb. You squeeze the bulb to produce a shot of air to blow away dust, and the soft brush can also help to remove dust.
Hope this helps!
Dave
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QUESTION: Would emulsion cleaner help?
Answer If you have a smudge (something other than dust) that can't be removed with the air & brush, then you could try wiping that particular negative with emulsion cleaner and a glasses-cleaning cloth. But don't do that unless you find a negative that can't be cleaned by the brush and air. When you clean with the cloth, you will be damaging the negative, but if the negative is unusable without such cleaning, then it might be better than making a print with a noticeable smudge on the negative.
Don't try to "clean" all of your negatives that way, because you will be causing damage. Most negs will be OK after only removing the dust with air and the soft brush.
