Manufacturer of "Century Box" still in business? Alternatives?

[David Wolf]

Hi Everyone ~

Would anyone know if "Century Box" is still in business? They made archival clamshell cases for prints, and 3-ring binder boxes for negatives. They were the best quality that I found in the past. In fact, I just had cause to look up some older negatives, and I discovered the supposedly "archival" binder boxes I have from Light Impressions (remember that nightmare?) all had something growing along the panel supporting the 3-ring mechanism! The Century Box binders are all pristine. Fortunately, all the negs are double sleeved, so no harm done ; )

Trying to track Century down, their last website now seems to be a company that produces cardboard shipping boxes and containers? Maybe they morphed into this? And the VM for the last number I have doesn't make any sense. This doesn't look good, but I thought I'd reach out to all of you before I give up.

So, if I need to find an alternative, what does everyone use for neg binders these days? Archival Methods (founder is a former LI person) make a very expensive, kinda bulky 3-ring binder box that's the closest to what I have now, as well as a slimmer version made from "archival" board. Anyone use either of these, or perhaps something else?

Would appreciate any info about "Century Box" company, or possible proven alternatives. Thank you!

[jnantz]

Hi David

I am not sure if they changed names is this them: http://www.centuryphoto.com/archival-storage-boxes/
Sometimes I buy archival materials from Gaylord Brothers : http.www.gaylord.com ...
and if you need something custom made I always go to portfolio box company, they're the best: https://portfoliobox.com/about/our-people/

Good Luck!
John

[David Wolf]

Hi John,
Thanks for your reply! I appreciate the links! Reminded me to check out Talas as well. They have a new product that may fit the bill: https://www.talasonline.com/Heritage-Boxed-Ring-Binder
All my best,
David

PS Unfortunately, it looks like this "Century" may be different, as they don't offer the products I've purchased before. "Century" seems to be a common name for storage product companies!

[Sal Santamaura]

I am not sure if they changed names is this them: http://www.centuryphoto.com/archival-storage-boxes/

...Unfortunately, it looks like this "Century" may be different, as they don't offer the products I've purchased before...

Caution: that link takes one to an entity with the same Rochester New York address as today's "Light Impressions." Given the questionable reputation of "Light Impressions" in recent years, I'd hesitate to deal with them.

[interneg]

Reminded me to check out Talas as well. They have a new product that may fit the bill: https://www.talasonline.com/Heritage-Boxed-Ring-Binder

That's a CXD made box - they're excellent. More importantly, they are designed to pass the Photographic Activity Test.

[David Wolf]

Thanks, Sal ~ Good to know!

[David Wolf]

Hi Interneg, What, or who, is CXD, please?

[interneg]

Hi Interneg, What, or who, is CXD, please?

Conservation by Design

[Drew Wiley]

Archival Methods makes their own portfolio boxes in house, and for a certain minimum order quantity will even make custom sizes, or imprint them with your logo. Deluxe presentation binders like Archival Methods once offered are a different issue. I still have a few of those. I don't know if anyone still makes anything exactly like those, with all the custom fabric options and so forth; but Archival Methods offers something analogous. Talas is basically a bookbinding supply house; good service.