Did you know that there have been several different types of negatives used for photos throughout the the years?
Here's what you should know on why it makes a difference what type of negatives you have.
Glass Negatives
Developed in the early 1850s glass negatives gave still photos a nice sharp image.
Pros: detailed images, generally well preserved images,
Cons: potential of glass scratching or breaking if it becomes brittle, took longer to create, light sensitive emulsion, emulsion can flake off over time
Storage: store on their side in a box, cool and dry place, minimal changes in temp and humidity
Nitrate Negatives
Beginning in the 1980s nitrate negatives were used to allow photographers to achieve better still photos in a variety of environmental conditions.
Pros: Slightly thicker film, lighter weight and less fragile than the already-in-use glass negative, allowed better photo in non-ideal enviroments
Cons: Highly flammable and autocatalytic, during deterioration phases these can fuse to other photos or material permanently ruining the film, hazardous fumes let off during deterioration
Storage: freezer or a cold, dry, dark box in well-ventilated storage area, avoid rapid change in temperature
Acetate Negatives
Around the 1930s acetate negatives came to replace nitrate film.
Pros: less flammable and autocatalytic, did not let off the same hazardous gases during deterioration as the nitrate negative
Con: heat and moisture cause deterioration and the release of Acetic acid causing a vinegar smell
Storage: sealed container in a cool and dry area
Polyester Negatives
First used in photography in the 1950s and what we currently use for most modern photo negatives.
Pros: very strong and flexible film resistant to breakage
Cons: not used regularly in movie cameras as the strength can break the camera during a jam
Storage: cool, dry, and dark area