International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1952)

BETTER FILM CARE {Continued from preceding page) arc current should never be increased arbitrarily without first ascertaining by test whether such procedure is liable to cause film damage. Testing Projector Performance Final testing of any installation of projection equipment should include the projection of test film to insure that the equipment is operating properly and that misadjustments will not cause damage to prints. The following test procedure is recommended for film testing of projection equipment : Film: Eastman Fine Grain Release Positive Safety Film, Type 5302. Processing: Normal. The image should contain dark areas distributed about the frame and especially near the center. Age: Film can be used for only one test. Previous projection makes the film test less critical, and the results difficult to interpret. Storage: Film must be used within six months of the processing date. The processed test film should be kept in a closed metal film container. Test Loop : Nine-foot loops are recommended. Splice a fresh 9-foot piece into a loop, and thread into the projector. Magazine doors will probably have to remain open, and the loop may have to be guided by hand to prevent its twisting off the sprockets. Test: Strike the arc and burn-in at least 1 minute. In general, set to the maximum operating current, condenser setting, screen light, etc. available to the projectionist. Start projector, open dowser and change-over. If possible watch the projected picture on the screen, refocusing frequently as needed. Count 30 to 50 revolutions of the loop (3 to 5 minutes projection) . Stop the projector and remove the film for examination. Examination: Look first for any blistering of the film. Examine the emulsion side by reflected light at an angle nearly coincident with the plane of the film for any small raised blisters. A hand magnifier is helpful but not essential. Severe blisters will show on the screen and on the film as white pinholes in the image. ANY SIGN OF BLISTERS INDICATES THAT THE ARC INTENSITY IS TOO HIGH OR THAT FAILURE OF THE FILM PRO ANSWER TO YOUR ^f**9 TECHNICAL PROBLEMS... . / \-Jr 1 The Altec Service Man and the organization behind him The Lj Altec v*'' Service i^ ALTEC Man 161 Sixth Avenue, New York 13, N. Y. PROTECTING THE THE/ iTREFIRST PLACE IN ENTERTAINMENT Machined and Handmade Price: $2.50 each and up Ask Your Theatre Supply Dealer Manufactured by PHILLIPS, BOX 788, CHARLESTON, W. VA. For Uncle Sam — & YOU SAVE EVERY OUNCE OF COPPER TECTIVE DEVICES HAS OCCURRED. The regular prints are in danger of damage under any conditions which will produce blisters on the test loop. Look also for excessive scratching, perforation damage, or other evidence of faulty mechanical adjustments in the projector. // the test loop is undamaged, then the projection equipment will handle normal films safely (when operated at the arc current, condenser settings, etc. at which the test ivas made). CONCLUSION It is a well established fact that film damage does occur and that it may be caused in a variety of ways and in any one of the various places where film is handled. The material offered here has been presented with the sole purpose of helping to reduce unwarranted film damage and in no way is it intended as a condemnation or criticism of any single individual or group of individuals. The information, suggestions and recommendations contained herein are based on the results of numerous investigations and observations related to various types of film damage which have been brought to the attention of the Eastman Kodak Company over a period of many years. It is our sincere hope that this material will foster a greater spirit of cooperation among all individuals throughout the industry in an effort to eliminate needless waste and to secure the maximum useful life for all motion picture prints. New Recording Method A new recording method, producing an optical sound track that can be either variable-density or variable-area, as preferred, will be introduced by Robert Dressier, Director of Research and Development for Paramount Pictures, on April 16th. Dresssler will present a paper and demonstration before a meeting, on that date, of the SMPTE's Atlantic Coast section. Heart of the new recorder is a crystal that is stressed by the voltage to be recorded and modulates the recording lightbeam proportionately. E. M. Stifle, Chairman of the Atlantic Coast Section, announced the meeting. PHILLIPS CARBON SAVERS 24 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • April 1952