A: Yes, absolutely! We specialise in the digitisation of aged, fragile, and even damaged glass negatives, including those exhibiting cracks, emulsion deterioration, or other forms of damage. Here is a summary of the types of damage we can typically manage:
* Glass negatives with hairline cracks or minor fractures.
* Plates exhibiting peeling or flaking emulsion.
* Glass negatives that are warped or slightly bowed.
* Plates contaminated with surface dirt, dust accumulation, or minor mould.
* Glass negatives that have been previously repaired or have adhesive residue.
* Plates that have sustained minor water damage.
Our Meticulous Handling & Digitisation Process:
1. Detailed Expert Assessment: Each glass negative is meticulously evaluated by our experienced heritage media specialists to determine the extent and nature of any damage.
2. Museum-Grade Handling Techniques: We employ museum-grade handling techniques throughout the entire process, including the use of archival-quality gloves, specialised handling tools, and appropriate supports to minimise any stress on fragile plates.
3. Specialised Flatbed Scanners: We utilise state-of-the-art flatbed scanners specifically designed for delicate media, ensuring gentle handling and optimal image capture without further stressing damaged areas.
4. Digital Restoration (Optional): Following digitisation, we offer optional digital restoration services to address blemishes, scratches, dust spots, and minor imperfections, further enhancing the visual quality of your digitised images.
No Additional Handling Charges: Meticulous handling and basic cleaning are included within our standard glass negative digitisation pricing. In the rare event that a glass negative is deemed beyond safe handling or successful digitisation (this occurs in less than 1% of cases), you will receive a full refund for that plate. We strongly advise that the sooner you choose to digitise your glass negatives, the higher the likelihood of successful preservation and image recovery!