While I agree with a lot of what another poster wrote about buying film, I would like to say that 'too cold' is not a cause for film to break down. In fact, the National Archives stores all of its film in freezers. Also, while film may have a vinegar odor, it may still be quite useable. If one is like me, and collects a very specific genre (I collect Naval Aviation 'home movies' from aircraft carriers), you really need the film to go through the projector once, so that you can capture it to another format, such as digital. Once it is converted, the image is preserved. You can then toss the film in your freezer, to ensure it remains in the same condition as it is when you buy it.

The most common break down in film is the color shifting to red. Once it has completely shifted to red, the color is lost forever. However, the image is still there, and can easily be converted to a crisp black and white print, either by software or attaching a filter onto your projector.

The most deadly feature to ask about when buying any 8mm or 16mm film is whether or not the film is wavy. This is an indication of serious film decay. If the film smells of vinegar, but the film is still smoothly wrapped around the reel, it is most likely still useable. Wavy film is a huge gamble, as some projectors handle it better than others. I ALWAYS ask for detailed, up close pictures of the film before purchasing.

Lastly, sprocket damage is not always fatal. I own an 8mm Workprinter XP and a 16mm Workprinter projectors, which are dedicated to capturing film and converting to digital. In regards to 8mm film, the Workprinter XP advances the film with the take-up reel. Since no sprockets are used, it converts both 8mm and super 8mm films.  I have converted films where the entire side of the film with the sprocket holes was shredded. For 16mm film, sprocket damage is a bigger issue, but can be overcome by being taking the time to repair those areas.

Well, I hope this helps!!

Talachan

plat_collector -at- verizon -dot- net