I was wondering why all 16mm cans were not made with vent holes.
Ive read a lot about the importants of air circulating but unless im wrong, arnnt most 16mm cans air tight unless they have the vents?

I have wondered about this myself. I have used a drill on some that hasn't got ventilation as I suspect it is important, but would love to hear from someone that knows!

It is only in the last few years that eventual deterioration of movie films has been realised.
In the earlier days of 35mm cinema a print only had a short life going around the cinema chains and then often being reduced for its silver.
Long time storage was never considered until it became apparent that most silent films had literally turned to dust often due to being stored in unfavourable conditions.
Hence the introduction of ventilated cans for archive storage. But for some films it may be too late.

Thank you Maurice,

would you recommend all 16mm films have vent holes?

I know you can buy proper archival vented cans but i would assume a couple of 4mm holes drilled in the sides would do the same job?

I guess my next question is, Would this allow moisture in?

Tom
Proper archival cans have ribs on the bottom can, and ribs under the lid. Films have to be stored on cores. The two sets of ribs allow air to circulate all around and over the film.
Making holes in a can with the film on a spool is a very poor second best.
If there was moisture in the surrounding air then obviously it would also get in the can.

Those Cecolite from the Cinematograph Engineering (the orange ones) had ridges inside them. But they would be quite airtight.

David
Look at the underside of an orange cecolite can and you will see circular depressions. Therefore, this produces the ridges on the other side in the bottom section.
Now, look at the outside top of the lid. There are ridges.
This is all done so that stacked cans virtually lock together to form a rigid pile.
They are not for archival storage.

Thank you Maurice, very useful information.