Hello Jagan…my apologies for not spotting this post sooner :embarassed:
Without intending to contradict my good friend Bigglesworth, it is very unlikely to be nitrate film. Nitrate film stock on any format other than 35mm (e.g. 16mm, 8mm and 9.5mm) is virtually unheard of, so your friend’s film is more likely to be have been printed on acetate stock. Acetate film stock is much safer than nitrate film (acetate stock along with its successor, polyester, are generally referred to as “safety film” – well in the IWM at least!) However, acetate film can deteriorate over time, hence a move towards polyester film stock in recent years, which so far has demonstrated a greater resilience to the march of time. One feature of acetate deterioration is what is known as “vinegar syndrome”, so called because of the vinegar like smell caused by the deterioration. This smell can certainly be detected by the human nose, but I would not advise you to spend too much time sniffing it if you come across it!
The fact the film gauge is 8mm suggests to me that this is an original film, straight from the camera, so it’s potential worth is pretty substantial. As you wish to have the film telecined in India, I am afraid I do not know who to suggest you take the film to (I believe there is an Indian Film Archive of some sort?)
Unfortunately I am very pressed for time, otherwise I would go on for hours. My apologies if details are a little sketchy in places. Please do not hesitate to PM Jagan if you have any questions/thoughts (although I will be off-line from this afternoon to the morning of the 18th)
Best wishes
Becka
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