RE: Cleaning Glass Negatives

[P3D Derek Gee <73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob wrote:
>A while ago, I got at an auction a whole mess of antique glass negs.  Some
>of them are stereo views.  Due to age and neglect, they've become very dirty
>and grimy.  How can I clean these items without scratching or destroying
>them entirely?

Since nobody has really answered this yet, I'll try.  I have worked with
a large number of glass negs that date from 1914-1930.  I clean the 
emulsion side with a brush or a soft cloth to remove the dust, etc.  I
clean the glass side with glass cleaner (what else?)   Put a few drops 
on a cloth and VERY CAREFULLY clean the glass.  DO NOT GET ANY ON THE
EMULSION or you may damage or remove it.  This technique has worked 
fine for me and I have been able to contact print many beautiful
images.  (Your mileage may vary...)
 
More sophisticated techniques for removing stains and things from 
glass negatives can be found in the Kodak publication,
Conservation of Photographs.  Hope this info has been helpful.
 
                              Derek Gee



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