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  • 1.  Camera Conservation Help!

    Posted 04-19-2023 13:22

    Hi all,

    At the Berman Museum in Anniston, AL we have a 1938 Kodak Bantam F.8 camera on display in one of our galleries that appears to be possibly oxidating. I am looking for help to either remove the oxidation and/or stop it from continuing to happen. I've tried searching AIC/FAIC's "Find a Professional" page, but no one specifies cameras as their specialty. The object is kept in a micro-climate that stays ~70 degrees/50% humidity. This artifact is very important to the museum, as it belonged to a sailor lost at Pearl Harbor. Any help as to what direction to head toward would be much appreciated!



    ------------------------------
    Sabra Gossett
    Collections Manager
    Berman Museum - Anniston Museums and Gardens
    Anniston, AL
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Camera Conservation Help!

    Posted 04-19-2023 15:09
    Hi Sabra,

    This isn't my area of expertise so I'm reaching out to some colleagues to get more information for you. I'll let you know once I have an answer.

    Best,
    Saira
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor


    --
    Saira Haqqi (she/they)
    Conservator
    National Archives and Records Administration 
    Archives II - Room 1600
    8601 Adelphi Rd
    College Park, MD 20740
    301-837-3530

    If we are setting up a meeting, please let me know if you need any accommodations!



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Camera Conservation Help!

    Posted 04-21-2023 14:23
    Hi Sabra,

    Having consulted with my colleagues, it sounds like your best bet would be to locate an objects conservator using the Find a Conservator tool on the AIC website. However, since there may not be one near you, you could also potentially consult a local camera shop, which may have some recommendations for cleaning. 

    Other notes from colleagues are as follows: "The corrosion can probably be fairly easily removed with surface swabs, but might also be on the inside, so I would recommend finding a specialist. I'm taking an educated guess that this is aluminum which is typically stable once it forms a protective oxide layer. So this is suggesting there was some kind of more extreme environmental event. These kind of fluffy corrosion products usually indicate some kind of environmental contamination more than just an RH issue. Perhaps there is something acidic or otherwise corrosive in their exhibit materials or space? Has something changed in that area? Perhaps there are deteriorating/off gassing synthetic materials in the case or on the camera itself? Preventing metal corrosion also requires more restrictive environmental parameters. Usually below 40% RH. So adjusting their microclimate might be necessary once it's cleaned if other sources of environmental contamination can't be identified, removed and/or isolated. A conservator could also discuss coating options."

    I hope this is helpful. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns!

    Best,
    Saira
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor


    On Wed, Apr 19, 2023 at 2:53 PM Saira Haqqi <saira.haqqi@nara.gov> wrote:
    Hi Sabra,

    This isn't my area of expertise so I'm reaching out to some colleagues to get more information for you. I'll let you know once I have an answer.

    Best,
    Saira
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor


    --
    Saira Haqqi (she/they)
    Conservator
    National Archives and Records Administration 
    Archives II - Room 1600
    8601 Adelphi Rd
    College Park, MD 20740
    301-837-3530

    If we are setting up a meeting, please let me know if you need any accommodations!


    --
    Saira Haqqi (she/they)
    Conservator
    National Archives and Records Administration 
    Archives II - Room 1600
    8601 Adelphi Rd
    College Park, MD 20740
    301-837-3530

    If we are setting up a meeting, please let me know if you need any accommodations!



    Original Message


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