8mm Forum: Film Leader Question

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Topic: Film Leader Question

Roger Shunk
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 604
From: Phoenix, AZ
Registered: Nov 2011

posted December 28, 2012 02:02 PM

This may be a stupid question to ask but how much film leader is the best length to use? I have been using about 18 inches of leader and wanted to make sure I'm not wasting it?

Thanks,
RS

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Bill Phelps
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1482
From: USA
Registered: Jan 2009

posted December 28, 2012 02:30 PM

Well I use enough that I can connect it to the take up reel and the film is ready to start. I am not sure how long that is!

Bill [Smile]

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Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted December 28, 2012 02:31 PM

Leader is the sacrificial lamb in the world of film!

When I put leader on one of my own films I start with at least two feet of the white stuff. I want it to go through the entire length of the film path so if the machine starts to digest it I can stop it before it eats footage I can't replace.

Then I do about two feet of black acetate leader(harder to find these days) so I have a place to start the lamp without lighting up the screen just yet. This way when the film is really starting the transport is up to speed and the lamp is lit.

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All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

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Bryan Chernick
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 654
From: Bothell, WA, USA
Registered: Mar 2010

posted December 28, 2012 02:34 PM

I use about 2 1/2 to 3 feet so I can start the film with it still projecting the leader. I also put 6" to a foot of leader on the end to protect the film.

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Gerald Santana
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1060
From: Cottage Grove OR
Registered: Dec 2010

posted December 28, 2012 02:37 PM

The rule of thumb (or should I say arm) in film school is about a meter (36") or an arm's length. So, 18 inches is fine, any extra that is pulled could always be reused or put on to the end of the reel.

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http://lostandoutofprintfilms.blogspot.com/

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted December 29, 2012 06:43 AM

I am not a perfectionist. Every film comes with enough own leader so why should add another leader? Unless the original leader is missing. In this case I will add with left ofer or old/waste films to the length that enough to reach the take up spool.

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Winbert

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