International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1952)

Inspection, Splicing and Care of Film These notes are condensed from advisory comment prepared by Eastman Kodak for film exchanges; they apply just as emphatically to theatres. INVESTIGATION of the general procedure in the inspection and repairing of prints indicates that a considerable portion of initial damage may actually occur in the exchange. Inspections are frequently too rapid to be thorough and the methods employed may easily have a direct bearing on the life of the prints. Splicing, if carelessly done, will frequently result in the films being sent to the theaters in such poor condition as to be unable to withstand ordinary projection and rapid rewinding. Careful inspection and repairs in the exchange result in better service to the exhibitor, greatly lessening the danger of breaks in the projector. Such breaks may result in additional mutilation, a frequent source of considerable controversy between the theater and the exchange. Any steps which can be taken to eliminate these breaks will reduce replacements and make the film constantly available for service. Longer commercial life means increased earning capacity. Inspection Methods Methods of inspection vary in different exchanges. Some inspectors hold the hand below the film (the specified method in some instances), so that the film runs between the thumb and finger, usually through a cloth, cotton glove or in some instances cleansing tissues, to feel for bad splices and cut edges. This is illustrated in Figure 1 and is considered to be the approved method. In many instances, however, inspectors may hold the film in the closed hand from above, applying pressure with one or more fingers to the underside of the film the film, resulting in a considerable amount of emulsion abrasion, particularly if the cloth or glove through which the film is drawn is badly soiled. Cloths used for this purpose are frequently in this condition because they are often used for the purpose of removing oil and dirt from the film. If the cloth is not changed fre FIG. 2. Non-recommended method of holding and guiding film during inspection. Use of this method may result in excessive abrasion and, possibly, under dry air conditions, in center splitting or edge breakage (see Fig. 3). in order to obtain sufficient tension for snug winding, then upward between the thumb and forefinger for edge checking, as shown in Figure 2. This method permits rubbing of the complete surface of FIG. 1. Recommended method of holding and guiding film during inspection. quently it may soon accumulate enough dirt particles to cause abrasion. Another objection to holding the film in this manner is that it often allows the film to rub directly against the metal top of the work bench, and any such contact should, of course, be avoided. Center Splitting If inspection is carried out as shown in Figure 2 then the edges of the film are usually forced downward by the pressure of the thumb and finger. Because of this, the film often develops a running kink which may cause cracking or splitting, especially in old prints which have had repeated projection or in prints which have dried out due to storage at low relative humidity. These center breaks (Figure 3) may occur even with newer films under cold, dry, winter conditions if the film is bent or cupped too severely during winding. Occasionally it is found that inspectors tape the fingers of the glove. This practice is undesirable because the tape prevents the operator from ascertaining how much pressure is being applied to the film and reduces his or her sensitivity to faults. 18 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST May 1952