posted April 22, 2009 09:04 AM
This is VERY interesting. I happen to have the super 8 optical print of this film, and it hasn't faded a bit and have a very sharp image, so this 16MM no doubt looks as good and perhaps better.
I have seen a few 16MM prints with both optical and magnetic tracks, but since I don't know 16MM and they're sound capacities, I really can't say anything more.
Too bad its faded.
-------------------- "All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003
posted April 22, 2009 09:48 PM
Please note: the above link used to be "Ten From Navarone", now it has changed to different film. Seems that the seller pull out the listing for some reason.
quote: so this 16MM no doubt looks as good and perhaps better
Osi...that movie was 8mm !!!... so that's why it was interesting for me to know how those tiny cells could have both optical and magnetic track...
posted April 23, 2009 03:02 AM
Without seeing the original Ebay page, I am guessing that this was originally an optical only film and the owner has added a magnetic stripe where the balance stripe would be. He has then recorded on it from a video or DVD. But you would need a stereo or twin track projector capable of playing the magnetic track. I doubt very much if the magnetic track is on the same side as the optical one. Just a thought.
Posts: 873
From: Southern England
Registered: Apr 2008
posted April 23, 2009 09:01 AM
Kevin, do you know if there was ever a balance stripe on 16mm? And does that half-striping affect the optical track? ( I've avoided those prints on 16mm because of concerns about compromising the optical.)
Posts: 791
From: Northridge, CA USA
Registered: Jun 2003
posted April 23, 2009 01:31 PM
There were balance stripes on 16mm but never used for recording (no commercial equipment). The 50/50 tracks usually impact the optical track. If it's dual bilaterial area the stripe has to be laid down with precision or the stripe will cut peaks and introduce distortion. Cutting the track to 50 per cent of it's width (whether area or density) increases the noise since you have to turn up the amp to get the same volume.
These prints were commonly used where dual language prints were necessary (such as Fren/Eng for Canada and Span/Eng for Puerto Rico).
The optical track was english and the stripe carried the alternate language. The print could be resounded if the print hadn't been cut and thus would lose sync with the master.