Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code indicates the level of deterioration of the motion picture film.  A fill character ( | ) is used when no attempt has been made to code this position.

Note:  The codes in each category are listed according to the seriousness of the condition of deterioration.  If more than one condition is applicable to the film in hand, the code for the most serious condition is recorded.

Record requirements for National-level and Minimal-level records:  Optional.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Codes:

Descriptions:

a

None apparent  No deterioration is apparent on either nitrate or non-nitrate motion picture film.

|

No attempt to code

 

 

Nitrate film codes:  Used to record nitrate deterioration.

 

b

Nitrate:  suspicious odor

c

Nitrate:  pungent odor

d

Nitrate:  brownish, discoloration, fading, dusty

e

Nitrate:  sticky

f

Nitrate:  frothy, bubbles, blisters

g

Nitrate:  congealed

h

Nitrate:  powder

 

 

Non-nitrate film codes:  Used to record deterioration of non-nitrate materials (safety film, etc.).

 

k

Non-nitrate:  detectable deterioration (diacetate odor)

l

Non-nitrate:  advanced deterioration

m

Non-nitrate:  disaster

Content designator history:

Prior to the definition of this character position in 1985, deterioration stage was coded in field 009 (Physical Description Fixed Field for Archival Collection) /09 (Film deterioration).

To return, select:

007:  Motion picture

007  Physical Description Fixed Field