8mm Forum: Calling All Experts

This is topic Calling All Experts - Need Help in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002380

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on January 01, 2007, 02:02 AM:

Okay.... I set up my CHINON and thread a Chilly Willy cartoon ("Yukon Have It") and the sound is all warbly. Now what's funny is that my 16mm print of the same title has sound that is warbly, too which is why I got the S8 version in the first place. Ok, then my daughter wants to see "Gabby's Diner" and, again, the sound is somewhat warbly. So, now I'm assuming that the sound head is probably crapping out on the unit. We then decide we're going to watch my digest of "A&C Go To Mars" (I know it's their worst fim, but my 3 year old loooves it). Well, during "Go To Mars" the sound is flawless - I mean purrrrfect. AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! I don't get it! Is it the sound head? Is it shrunken film (if the first two were shrunk wouldn't the prints chatter? Which they didn't - they were rock steady)? How likely is it that two copies of the same title - in different guages no less - both have warbly sound? Okay, gents......Help! I'm losing my mind..........!

Posted by David Kilderry (Member # 549) on January 01, 2007, 11:55 PM:

Hi Brad, before we get too technical, it may well be that your leader is hesitating on the second (or sound) sprocket causing a loop that is too large. This happened to a Chinon 9000 I had every now and then and also my first Elmo ST 1200. Next time it happens see if you can check that the film is threaded correctly.

I always trim the ends with the trimmer to ensure it is exactly the right shape the projector manufacturer recommends. The same thing can sometimes happen on 16mm projectors too.

Good luck.

David

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on January 02, 2007, 12:59 AM:

Thanks, David. I always make sure the leader has a rounded edge to it which is what most 8mm projector manuals recommend. Your second loop theory could be right, but is it likely it would occur with 3 different titles?

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on January 02, 2007, 05:36 AM:

It could be the age of the film and the film stock its printed on.

Try treating those films with some film lube/cleaner such as Film Guard or Filmrenew. Doing this often cures all sorts of running issues.

Kev.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on January 02, 2007, 07:03 AM:

Happy New Year !
A little question. What film cleaners can be purchased now I wonder and from where ?
I heard one UK dealer was selling a cleaner which was made up from Johnsons Wax and Isoprop for instance.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on January 02, 2007, 09:54 AM:

I have to say that I personally dont like the isoprop based cleaners/lubes as they can dry out Acetate film base causing warpage. They are ok with mylar based stock.

Calssic Home Cinema stock Cresclean and Paul Foster now stocks Filmguard.

Kev.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on January 02, 2007, 11:22 AM:

I have to agree with Kevin on this one. i have found that certain film stocks just are not projector friendly, depending on the particular projector.

There is a certian quality of eastman film stock, (the absolute worst, on which a number of the 400ft Disney releases and nearly all walter lantz cartoons were printed on) that not only do not like my projector, (and mines a Eumig!), but scratch incredibly easy!

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on January 03, 2007, 05:45 AM:

Dipping the film is worth trying, I've saved a few reels with this method.
Pour some Film Renew or Film Guard in a clean film can - Rewind film on a metal spool - Dip film on metal spool in FR or FG for a few minutes (use latex gloves...) - take sppol out and let it drip, then, place it in another dry clean tin can and seal it - Let it rest for a good month, flip the can every week - Take the spool out and let it rest under a dry clean cloth for a few days - Give it a good wipe when rewinding it to original spool.

Posted by Carlos Plaza (Member # 578) on January 03, 2007, 08:37 AM:

I am not an expert on revitalizing movie film, but I do handle lots of it. I have been led to believe (source can be provided in a private email) that using Filmrenew on magnetic sound films can loosen the magnetic stripe. It has been also recommended that I use Ecco VSF 299 for magnetic films instead. Filmrenew is great for silent films or films with optical soundtracks. I cannot take risks with other people's film. If anyone's experience has been different, please let me know. Great forum...Happy new year everyone!

Posted by Jose Artiles (Member # 471) on January 03, 2007, 07:12 PM:

Hi dear friends!
Jean Marc,I´m absolutely agree with the way you recomended.I´ll want to contribute with a tip we use in our film library:
please when you put the film on the metal spool try to rewind it in "b" way(thats is,with the emulsion looking to outside)and a very little tight,that work wonderfull and make miracles on the image because contribute very well to let the film very plain adapting perfectly to the film gate for a excellent focus in your next projection of the movie.

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on January 03, 2007, 07:41 PM:

Brad, like Kev said, "Film Guard". I swear by it &#@*^%!! If that doesn't work, then only watch A&C Go To Mars. [Big Grin]

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on January 09, 2007, 12:53 PM:

Watched "Hide & Shriek" from Blackhawk last night and the sound was warbling again. Some spots worse than others.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2