Fujifilm Says It Will Restore Old Photos Damaged From Cyclone & Floods For Free
On February 12, a devastating cyclone tore through New Zealand’s north, shutting down electricity for tens of thousands of residents and destroying many homes. Cyclone Gabrielle has killed 11 people, and according to Channel News Asia, the police are still looking for four missing people.
As offers for relief pour in from other parts of the world to temper the national state of emergency, only the third in the country’s history, Fujifilm is chipping in the best way it knows how. The camera brand is urging New Zealanders to keep old, precious photos that have been corrupted by the cyclone, as it will try to repair them.
“If you or anyone you know has sentimental photographs damaged by the cyclone/floods, please don’t throw them away. Old prints can sometimes be restored (even better than more recent prints in some cases),” Fujifilm’s New Zealand outfit announces on Instagram.
Fujifilm explains that, over the coming months, it will install stations to bring in old photographs, “and we’ll assess them and restore the ones we can for free.”
The company reiterates: “For now, please keep hold of them.”
The wholesome gesture has been applauded by locals, who have pointed out that businesses are quoting individuals hundreds of dollars to help preserve tangible tokens of their lost memories.
“This is amazing,” one person comments on Instagram. “I have lost so much it would be lovely to repair the really special ones.”
According to the National Library of New Zealand, photographs are best stored in a place that’s cool, clean, dark, dry, and well-ventilated. Owners should keep them out of sheds or garages, which can get quite damp, as well as refrain from moving the pictures too often.
“Photographs are the visual memories of our past. They depict our ancestors, landscape, and memories,” says the national library, emphasizing how important it is to keep them safe.
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[via Fujifilm X Series NZ and Advertising Vietnam, images via various sources]
