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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Author
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Topic: FilmGuard causing gunk buildup?
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Robert Burtcher
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 194
From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 03-31-2006 05:03 AM
I introduced FilmGuard to my managers and we started using it on a few of our prints a while back. We've begun to notice a few problems, however, and I'd like to know if anyone else has these problems, or ideas and/or solutions for these problems.
Until recently, FilmGuarded prints have played just fine, without any problems. In the last week, however, we've noticed that a light amber-colored gunk is starting to build up in the projector's film path. It's usually on the gate bands and sound drum, but according to one of the managers, it's also appeared on the constant speed sprockets as well as the intermittent sprocket. Every time I've encountered it, I've been able to remove it with a Q-tip and a squirt of Jacro Projector Cleaner & Lube, but he reports the stuff he's encountered is difficult to remove. Is this a result of using FilmGuard? If so, how can I prevent this from occuring?
Also, FilmGuarded prints slide around much easier on our AW3 platters now. We threw a print of V for Vendetta the other day, and the managers think FilmGuard might be the cause. Is there any way to correct this issue? Would a regular cleaning of the platter decks help? The platter decks are a bit glazed, but I don't think I'd get the green light from the managers or our booth tech to buff the decks.
And finally, a related question... Is there anything special that I need to do to clean the platter decks on an AW3, or will Windex and a paper towel or clean shop rag do the trick?
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Robert Burtcher
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 194
From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 03-31-2006 06:12 AM
The only other cleaning product we use is the JACRO Projector Cleaner and Lubricant, and that's always used on a Q-tip on the gate bands and sound drum of our Vic 5's. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of having multiple media cleaners, so our single Kelmar cleaner (converted from 70mm to 35mm) travels around our 10-projector booth. As a result, we must clean out every projector after every show, or else things get nasty. Are any cleaning products known not to react with FilmGuard and cause the gunk?
As for the platter, I think timing and equipment problems might be an issue as well... The particular platter that threw V for Vendetta has had minor issues with variable payout speed in the recent past. Even so, part of the reason why FilmGuard is being blamed is the tails of our movies aren't staying tucked like they used to... On FilmGuarded prints, they slip out easier, no matter what platter and deck they're on. The tail on non-FilmGuarded prints will stay tucked just fine.
I'll ask about getting the platters re-timed at work today, just to make sure they're set right.
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Mark J. Marshall
Film God
Posts: 3188
From: New Castle, DE, USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 03-31-2006 08:28 AM
Sounds like you're using too much Film Guard. The prints really shouldn't become slick like that. We saturate three Kelmar cleaners on Thursday night, and start by cleaning the brand new prints four times over the course of the weekend, and then we clean the other prints once, or twice if needed. Each time, we rewind the cleaner and run it as is. We do NOT re-saturate the pads. This works very well for us, and we're constantly getting high marks on our presentation. We do notice a slight build up in the analog sound area, and also on our SDDS sound drum roller, but if you know that, and keep on top of it when you clean the projectors, it never becomes an issue. By the way, we're a nine-plex.
As to the platters, first, make sure that the decks are perfectly level. Also, if you have one platter that has a variable speed issue, you need to get that corrected. Speeding up and slowing down and speeding up and slowing down can cause the platter to vibrate slightly as the motor revs up and relaxes and revs up and relaxes. That vibrating platter can cause the print to "walk". If the deck is perfectly level, and not bent in one particular direction, then the film will be less likely to walk off the platter, though it could still happen. To make sure the platter is not bent, bend down to look straight across the platter at eye level while it's spinning. It should remain flat and not wobble. If it does wobble, then it's bent and that needs to be fixed. Someone may have spliced film by pushing down on the platter and bent it, or something like that.
We tuck tails all the time, and rarely do they come untucked. And like I said, we Film Guard everything on a regular basis. Hope this helps. Good luck! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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Robert Burtcher
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 194
From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 03-31-2006 03:46 PM
quote: Mark J. Marshall
Sounds like you're using too much Film Guard. The prints really shouldn't become slick like that. We saturate three Kelmar cleaners on Thursday night, and start by cleaning the brand new prints four times over the course of the weekend, and then we clean the other prints once, or twice if needed. Each time, we rewind the cleaner and run it as is. We do NOT re-saturate the pads.
Every time I've loaded up the film cleaner, I've done it the same way... Soak the pads then let it run for a while. You are supposed to saturate the pads until a little bit drips off the pad, right?
Because of the threading techniques of my managers, the beginning of the media pads always gets incredibly dirty, so sometimes I have to swap the pads out by Sunday night... I usually don't put as much FilmGuard on when I replace the pads, though.
quote: Mike Blakesley
And get a film-tech platter ring. It will be the best money you ever spent. You'll never have to worry about a thrown print again, and you won't have to mess with wrapping an old trailer around a print or tucking under or "poos" or any of that crap.
The GM likes the idea of getting some of those platter rings, but sadly, he doesn't think Corporate would be willing to spend the money on them.
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