Requirements and standards for HABS/HAER photography

[pchaplo]

I make sure that the negatives are washed, cleared and rewashed and then rerewashed again.

Oren and Schaf, Thanks for the updated and merged thread.

Schaf, could you tell me more about how your process and wash to meet the standard? Are you using Jobo? For the clear, what exactly are you using? Hypo-Clear?

Another separate question is that the standards mention Perma-Wash as an option -- do you use it? If so, in the last wash?

[schafphoto]

I use the standard developer-stop-fix-wash sequence. Then I use perma wash then rinse in running water then end with bath of distilled water with 1/2 dose of photoflo. I use the times on that perma wash recommends. Sorry for typos. On my phone.

[Sal Santamaura]

So you guys don't think a few rinses in a Jobo drum are "good enough?" *

*Note that this is the "Sarcastic" emoticon!

[Jac@stafford.net]

So you guys don't think a few rinses in a Jobo drum are "good enough?" *
*Note that this is the "Sarcastic" emoticon!

Is it likely that HABS/HAER is scanning the submissions?

[Sal Santamaura]

Is it likely that HABS/HAER is scanning the submissions?

Sure, but what's that got to do with its Life Expectancy 500 Year standard (LE500) for the negatives?

[Jac@stafford.net]

Sure, but what's that got to do with its Life Expectancy 500 Year standard (LE500) for the negatives?

It has the look of a policy in transition.

[Sal Santamaura]

It has the look of a policy in transition.

To me it has the look of a policy which recognizes that, while digital files require ongoing, almost continuous attention to remain readable, and inkjet prints may be fugitive, properly processed polyester-based silver gelatin negatives can be counted upon to last at least half a millennium with just a little regard for appropriate storage conditions.

[Jac@stafford.net]

To me it has the look of a policy which recognizes that, while digital files require ongoing, almost continuous attention to remain readable, and inkjet prints may be fugitive, properly processed polyester-based silver gelatin negatives can be counted upon to last at least half a millennium with just a little regard for appropriate storage conditions.

I have always been respectful of archival processes, and skeptical of digital storage, and the later was part of my job. I'm happy to say that I've retired from that job.

[schafphoto]

The cool thing is that the negatives (almost all since 1933) have been scanned for years to make them accessible to the public. The 15MB tiffs you can download from the Library of Congress website are pretty impressive. I recently used some in a book on cemeteries I published. The scanning also allows the negatives to be handled less since they are scanned as part of the accession process. Then moved off-site to the climate controlled facilities at Fort Meade In Maryland. And basically left alone, untouched unless a new scan or print was needed.

[dpn]

Here's a question for those of you doing 3H photography. The current version (June 2015) of the HABS photography guidelines (http://www.nps.gov/hdp/standards/PhotoGuidelines.pdf) states that 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 negatives are acceptable, but that "[t]he 5x7 size has long been preferred due to its ability to capture context and structures both long and tall."

In real terms, has anyone had luck submitting 4x5 negatives to the HDP, or will there be pushback for not submitting in the preferred 5x7 size?

All things being equal, I'd prefer to shoot 5x7 since the aspect ratio seems more flexible for shooting long and tall structures. (I also like that aspect ratio better for my personal work.) Things aren't equal, however, and 4x5 film, cameras, etc. are significantly less expensive and more readily available than 5x7.

That said, if the guidelines and the agency really prefer 5x7 and only grudgingly accept 4x5, then 5x7 will be the way to go.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Dan