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Author Topic: Strange Dust Problem being created by #4 Projector Chad M Calpito Master Film Handler Posts: 435 From: San Diego, CA Registered: Apr 2006 posted 01-08-2008 09:48 AM                        Greetings and Salutations! Well, I have a particular problem with #4 projector. I have run three different prints through the projector and the one currently being played is Atonement. When running it through, the entire projector gets extremely dusty and dirty after each show. Also, all of the rollers to and from the platter, including the Brain. After each show, I have to really spend tons of time detail cleaning the projector, rollers, the Brain and the platter decks. The other two prints I ran through (Sweeny Todd & Juno) also had similar problems. I asked my technician to look at it and he can't quite pin-point the problem and I looked things over while the movie was playing and can't quite figure it out as well. What I am using is a Century JJ Projector which can be converted to play 70MM Prints but we don't use 70MM Prints and a Christie AW3R 3-Deck Platter System. Anyway, after threading up the movie, I double check and triple check my threading before starting each show. Now, I am only guessing that it could be the intermittent sprocket. My technician changed that part out, but, it still does the same thing, even though the projector is a little quieter than last time which it was making a lot of noise. On the print, there's no scratches, just gets really dirty. I did use a Kelmar Systems Film Cleaner unit that was attached to the Platter Tree and it helped to reduce the amount of dirt that had accumulated on the print. Anyway, the print has only been at my theatre for only 3 days and been running in #4 all this time. I am confused as to why #4 is doing this. Any suggestions or ideas would be great. Much Thanks!  |  IP: Logged Jim Cassedy Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1661 From: San Francisco, CA Registered: Dec 2006 posted 01-08-2008 11:40 AM                     There's another recent similar thread here somewhere about a "white powder" problem. I've also begun recently occasionally experiencing a dust/powder problem. Always with new prints, although I haven't tried tracking it down to a particular lab or distributer. I haven't been keeping up with recent lab technology but I'm wondering if it's the byproduct of some new film coating or something. I'm running Century SA and SAW's and Christie AW-3 platters. I can't find any actual scratches on the film, and the only effect on screen is surface dirt if I don't make sure that I or whoever is on duty does a good cleaning of all projector & platter rollers, sprockets etc between each show. But on my system it only seems to happen on first-run 'new' prints. I don't seem to have the problem with 2nd run or older prints. Ideas anyone?  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 01-08-2008 12:18 PM                        Move the print to another house to see if dust follows; if so, it's the film. If not, it's the projector. Louis  |  IP: Logged Andres Briano Expert Film Handler Posts: 162 From: Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2008 posted 02-16-2008 11:22 AM                        Apart from the wise advice by Louis, I´d check my clearences between sprockets and shoes or pad rollers.  |  IP: Logged Chad M Calpito Master Film Handler Posts: 435 From: San Diego, CA Registered: Apr 2006 posted 02-16-2008 11:30 AM                        Sorry it took me so long to reply back. Anyway, here's an update. When the print was moved, the dust problem wasn't on another projector. So, it was #4 projector. Since then, my technician checked the clearances and made adjustments as well as replacing some parts, mainly the sprocket rollers. So, with that in mind, the dust problem has been greatly reduced.  |  IP: Logged Andres Briano Expert Film Handler Posts: 162 From: Buenos Aires, Argentina Registered: Jan 2008 posted 02-17-2008 12:06 PM                        Happy we could help!  |  IP: Logged

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