International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1952)

SAFETY FILM (Continued from page 27) Damage to the edges of the film seems to be on the increase, however. Some of this damage is due to uneven rewinding, but most of it can be laid at the door of the distributor who continues to keep bent shipping reels and old-fashioned and battered shipping cases in service. Distributors are prone to blame the projectionist for all film damage, but their accusations seem ridiculous so long as they force the projectionist to extract the reels of film from the cases by the use of hammers, pliers, and the like. Picture Quality Many projectionists have asked, "Are the pictures printed on safety film "fuzzier" than those on nitrate film?" The answer is an emphatic no. The photographic emulsion is the same no matter what the base, which merely serves as a transparent support for the emulsion. Because of the general absence of buckling and severe embossing in modern safety film, it should be much easier to maintain a sharp focus on the screen with safety film, especially when powerful lamps are used, than would be possible with nitrate film. There are times when fuzzy processing and printing cause fuzzy images on the film, but that has nothing to do with the safety versus nitrate question. To sum up: (1.) Safety film is far superior to nitrate film in that it eliminates all firehazard. (2.) Safety film is far superior to nitrate film because safety film is a permanent record and can be stored under less exacting conditions. (3.) Safety film is very much superior to nitrate film as regards shrinkage char • The NEW, improved, positive method of permanently patching all types and makes of film — 8mm., 16mm., 35mm., Trucolor, Technicolor, Kodochrome, Nitrate and Safety Film. Used and endorsed by Projectionists in countless theaters. specifically for lasting Patches. ESSANNAY ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO. 1438 North Clark Street Chicago 10, Illinois acteristics and tendency to become brittle. (4.) Safety film is superior to nitrate film in that it does not readily buckle. (5.) Safety film is slightly inferior to nitrate film in that it is more sensitive to irregularities of the gate film-runners and pad tension (i.e. it is more difficult to hold flat over the aperture.) (6.) Safety film is superior to nitrate film in regard to constancy of focus and general resistance to the conditions which induce flutter. (7.) Safety film is inferior to nitrate film in that it cannot be spliced so rapidly and that the present scarcity of triacetate solvents requires extra care in formulating safety-film cements. (8.) Safety film is somewhat inferior to nitrate film in tear strength, hence the perforations of safety prints break down before those of nitrate film. (9.) Because of the superior qualities of safety film in several respects, safety film has approximately the same useful projection life as nitrate film. (10.) The photographic quality of safety and nitrate film are equally good. But safety film is superior to nitrate in that the photographic emulsion is more stable on safety film. Nitrate base decomposes spontaneously to give off products which cause both unexposed and processed emulsions to deteriorate. SUMMATION: In general, the incep tion of high-acetyl safety film marks a distinct advance in motion-picture technology. The new film is in most respects more desirable for theatre-release prints than the old nitrate film. THE END More Reel Production Seen Needed Facilities for production of reels need to be expanded, the Department of Commerce's National Production Authority was advised recently by its Reels and Spools Industry Advisory Committee. The industry manufactures a variety of products ranging from little typewriter ribbon spools to giant 14foot structural steel reels for heavy cables; but one of its most important customers is the motion picture industry with its heavy consumption of film reels, the NPA was told. Current deliveries are 30 to 45 days late. CURTAIN CONTROLS, TRACKS and SPECIAL OPERATING DEVICES VALLEN, Inc. AKRON 4, OHIO CUT CARBON COSTS! INCREASE LIGHT! Get High Intensity Results from your Present Equipment WITH HUFF'S CARBON COOLERS No copper coated carbons needed. Less amperage. Simple installation. See Your Dealer or write for new folder direct to . . . HAL I. HUFF MFG. CO., 659 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles 7, Calif. On Display at the TESMA-TEDA Convention Nov. 15-19. Booth 76 CLAYTON BALL-BEARING EVEN TENSION TAKE-UPS For all projectors and sound equipments All take-aps wind film on 2, 4 and 5 inch hub reel*. Silent Chain Drive* THE CLAYTON REWINDER For perfect rewinding on 2000-foot reels. CLAYTON PRODUCTS CO. 31-45 Tibbett Avenue New York 63, N. Y. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • November 1952 33