|
|
This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
|
|
Author
|
Topic: dirty equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rick Long
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 759
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-05-1999 10:25 PM
I think that the old saying that "a clean booth runs better" is not true because the equipment is clean, but because the type of people that keep their equipment clean are also those that take the pride in their job to keep their equipment in good repair. Unfortunately, this also means that technicians will spend most of their time repairing dirty equipment.
A good example of this was a service call I had recently where a Century projector intermittent had been allowed to run out of oil, due to a slow leak, resulting in a broken cam pin. Need I say that I had to wipe away the dirt from around the oil-sight glass to check the level? After changing the intermittent, I checked for travel-ghost using a high-contrast loop (stolen from credits on an old trailer). Instead of a sharp contrast image, I was treated to a grey and very dark grey image.
I took the time to set up the Christie lamphouse controls, clean the lens and port-hole (reachable on both sides from floor level). Results, of course, were amazing.
I did nothing that the staff at this theatre couldn't have done themselves to improve the projected image. The question is, why didn't they? Are they just lazy, or are relations with theatre management such that they they aren't encouraged to do their best?
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randy Stankey
Film God
Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 09-08-1999 04:49 PM
The number one thing that can ruin my day is to come to work in the morning after two days off and find that the projs. haven't been cleaned since the last time I closed!We've got a new girl here, that I mentioned before, who cleans every night and that's because 1) she's new. and 2) because I trained her. (I expect she'll slack-off sooner or later, but I hope it will be later than sooner!) Sometimes I think that her and I are the only ones who clean! AND I don't want to hear that line of bull... "There's not enough time... (whine) " I can clean all 17 projectors by myself and be done with all the rest before the last one drops. I'm out the door 10 minutes after that -- AND I still had time to go outside and have a smoke!!! PS: Is the Projectionist smoking like a chimney still a valid stereotype?  I understand that SOMETIMES you have to handle a last-minute problem or have some extra work to do and therefore, can't get them all clean every night. At least they could write a note in the log book and say, "Sorry, I was busy and couldn't clean projs. 10 and 11." -- or whatever.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Pytlak
Film God
Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 04-17-2000 06:28 AM
Gordon:Knowing that you care about film cleanliness, I'm sure you clean and fill your pipe far away from the film. It's often impractical to leave the booth to have something to eat or drink, or to have a smoke (if local smoking regulations allow). The important thing is to keep these things at your desk, and not anywhere near the film. If you get your hands oily or sticky with food, wash up before you handle the film. Just use common sense, and the film will stay clean. A full ashtray on the rewind bench, or a cup of Coke on the platter are obviously BAD practices.  Having a cup of coffee at your desk, away from the film, is acceptable. ------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
|
Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM
6.3.1.2
The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion
and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.
|
Home
Printer-friendly view of this topic