Cleaning of Originals

Analog media such as film strips, negatives, or glass plates are not only historical carriers of information but also delicate physical objects. Dust, dirt, adhesive residue, or traces of mold can compromise both the preservation of the originals and the quality of their digitization.

Careful, material-appropriate cleaning is therefore a key part of every digitization project — whether for collection preservation, preparation for reproduction, or long-term archiving.

Depending on the material type, sensitivity, and intended use, cleaning is performed manually or mechanically — always with the goal of protecting the original substance and ensuring the highest possible quality for subsequent processing.