Return to Glossary Index Restoration Processes
Shrinkage Compensation
Core Term Definition
Scanner configurations or mechanical adjustments designed to handle film that has shrunk over time.
Technical Analysis & Context
As solvents evaporate from acetate bases, the film physically shrinks. Standard scanners assume a standard sprocket spacing; running shrunk film on them can tear sprocket holes. Modern archival scanners use sprocketless, continuous capstan drives and optical tracking to accommodate severe shrinkage (up to 4%).