When the media pads are loaded and initially, I soak them well with FG.. I did this on the initial run last night of TRAFFIC to see if I could replicate the 'streaking' that some folks mentioned. I couldn't. The thing I *did* notice - by looking at the film (emulsion side is lamp side, right?) I could visibly see two streaks of FG on the film, but it didn't appear that the entire film had been coated. I checked the media pads and they were wet, not dripping wet, but wet. I never saw 'streaking' on the screen while screening the film. What I'm wondering is are the media pads actually wet enough? I made the mistake of pre-saoking a few and putting them in zip-lock bags when I first got them.. now I can't get them to 'load-up' on the take up spool. Nothing will hold them to the plastic core because they are so damn slippery..

BTW, the media cleaner works WONDERS on previews!! Also, on a recent trailer mishap, they allowed the add-on trailer (swapping trailers out just prior to show time) to be run from the floor. I know this is a MAJOR no-no, so when I saw what was happening, I got a fresh new cloth rag, sprayed it liberally with FG and ran the trailer up onto the platter... it was the cleanest trailer in the group even tho it had been ran up from the floor! *note* do not try this at home.....

------------------
Greg Mueller
Amateur Astronomer, Machinist, Filmnut

I usually soak the pads until the FilmGuard drips out when you give them a squeeze. Kinda' like when you have a sponge full of water. It's not hard to know when "enough is enough" after you get a little experience.

As far as loading up the pads:
Assuming you're not using Brads specially made media. I haven't had too much trouble. It just takes a little time and patience. If you have the long, double-length rolls cut them in half (Unless you have a long print) Roll them back up on their original cores. Put the roll on the TAKE-UP spindle and back-thread the cleaner. Then use the black "keyed core" to rewind the media to the starting position. Then get out your bottle of "stuff" and squirt them down as above.

BTW, I am using the Film Tech blue media pads and you should see the crap they pull off the film. Good Lord...

Anyway, I knew the *streaking* was common, but I thgought it would be more uniform in coverage. It seems to be doing it's thing just fine, but it never hurts to aks questions until you feel completely comfortable with what you're using..

 |  IP: Logged