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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Author
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Topic: HELP, uneven image
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Brad Miller
Administrator
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Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-08-2004 03:40 AM
Ideally you should let your tech fix this. However knowing how the real world works (often techs are far too overworked to be willing to fix things like this), here's the best explanation I can offer.
First off let's assume that the tech who set up this projection system knew what he was doing in at least the most basic sense. This means that he should have leveled the console while projecting a loop of PA35 film through the flat lens and achieved perfect level on screen before he started cutting plates and leveled (by twisting the lens) the scope lens.
Assuming he did that properly, the others are correct do not go hacking on the aperture plate! You will only do more damage.
You don't really need test film to verify this. Make yourself a loop out of a green band tomorrow. Remove the aperture plate and run the loop on screen through the flat lens. Rack the framing just enough to see the frameline project at the top of the screen. Is it level? Now rack it the other way so you can just see the frameline project at the bottom of the screen. Is it level? It should be. If not, reinsert the aperture plate and adjust the leveling feet of the console until it is. Be careful of two things. First make sure you don't end up with an aperture shadow on the screen when you are finished, and second make sure your console isn't wobbly from having the feet not quite leveled evenly.
Now it's time to go after the scope lens. With the aperture removed, project that same loop on screen and perform the same tests. Is that frameline level as it is compared against the top and bottom masking? (Do note it is common for there to be keystoning in the image, especially on curved screens and stadium seating houses near the bottom. The goal is to get it as balanced as possible.) If not loosen the lens mounting screw and gently twist a little bit until it is level. (Be careful to make sure you aren't twisting the anamorphic attachment with the backup/prime lens sitting still.) Now lock it back down and reinstall your aperture. Do you see an aperture shadow? You shoudn't, but you probably will. From this point you will have to make fine tuning adjustments on your turret.
You failed to give us any specific information on the projector head (a Highlight II is a lamphouse/power supply, not a projector), so that's about as specific as we can get. Odds are if you have that model lamphouse you have either a Simplex or a Century projector hanging on the front of it. The manuals are reasonably detailed in how to make those minor adjustments to the turret to get rid of the aperture shadow.
Bear in mind all of the answers above are good advice (especially the part about the lamphouse angle "falling" if you loosen the bolts) and also that you need to check with your tech before you make any adjustments like this. Either he won't mind you taking care of it, or he will and he can get his butt to your theater and fix it himself!
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Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man
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Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-08-2004 03:56 AM
Brad's suggestion is similar to what I mentioned in an earlier post. As far as techs are concerned, tons of independents up here don't have a "tech" to tend to their needs.
Techs are extremely rare up here in Washington State. Since Vern Klingman passed away, the only free-lanced techs I know of other than McRae is myself or Ken Layton. I can't speak for Ken, but I usually don't advertize myself as being available. Too much of a pain in the butt for a person my age. McRae is so badly overloaded he can't even see the sunshine anymore.
Many theaters have to pull a tech out of ACE in Portland, and the cost is prohibitive because of road time and expenses to fix such a minor problem as you might have. If you have gears laying all over the floor, that's a different situation. Furthermore, sometimes I think Scott is so badly overloaded that it might take a good deal of time to get to you on minor things like you have. Scott does have some good people working for him, and I certainly endorse his company as being a being a reputable organization, and will serve you well. All in all, I know it is something you can do yourself if you know what the cause is.
I'll still be happy to take a peek at it for you - at no cost other than maybe a cup of coffee. I'll at least mention what you can do about it. I am a tech. I have built projection booths and serviced projection booths for many years (too many, in fact)and have a very good track record of that.
This would make a nice Sunday drive for me, as sometimes I get bored out of my skull. So this would solve two problems...your tilted picture and my being bored for that day.
Email me if you want me to stop in.
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Martin Risher
Film Handler
Posts: 13
From: Monroe, Washington, USA
Registered: May 2004
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posted 06-08-2004 01:09 PM
Yea, I wasn't about to go hacking away at the apature plate, seemed a littl... mm... i dunno. But yea, I made a loop out of a trailer. I figured i could counter-act the 'slightly unevenness of the projector' by adjuting the anamorphic lens. and TADA! All is grand.
I also checked out those 'nuts' i was talking about ealier, and lowered a 2nd one on the same side, yeah, the damn thing just hovered above the two... so i thought that was weird.
But in anycase, the image looks pretty good now. So thats done and taken care of. Cool... Thanks for the offer Phil, I'll keep your name and email up in the booth incase McRae isnt able to make it out. I'll be sure we keep you in mind. Thaks again Weenie Man. [ 06-14-2004, 01:56 PM: Message edited by: Martin Risher ]
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