Optical Sound (issue)

[Lee Hardcastle]

Hi,
I've got 'Over The Top' on super8 optical sound. But the sound is horrid, warped and jutters.
Is there an obvious reason for that? Can it fixed?

Bit disappointed since the movie has a great 80s soundtrack! Thanks, Lee

[Steve Lee]

Hi Lee,

First of all what projector are you using? And secondly is this the first time you have run an optical print on this machine?

Steve

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Hi!

The film has to be projected frame by frame (=film is permanently stopped and then transported again). However, the optical sound needs a permanent movement (like the mag sound). Therefore, there are some additional mechanical elements between lens and sound head/exciter lamp…
…when all sound films have audible flaws, then it’s most likely the projector. (Decay of rubber/plastic parts, failing electronics,… .)
When it’s only this single film, then it’s most likely warped or otherwise damaged (perforation holes, …). When the film started to turn pink/red (thanks to Kodak), it could also be an effect of the color shift as it usually isn’t completely uniform throughout a reel. BTW: Did you clean the film before projection? Did you use some cleaning liquids that didn’t properly dried or that left some stain?

Good luck in finding and eliminating the cause!

[Alan Paterson]

Try cleaning the film with Filmguard. This will lubricate it and help it to run more smoothly through the projector. Assuming your projector runs other prints with no issues, this could well be the solution you need.
Let us know how you get on.

[Oliver Feld]

I had the same problem with „Little Shop of Horrors“ and (I agree with Jörg and Alan) cleaning an optical film is mostly the solution to this problem You described.

[Lee Hardcastle]

Thanks for all your replies.
Using a Elmo GS-1200 projector. It was my first time running an optical sound print (not really familiar with the science there!)
I've never attempted to lube film before... I'm a bit nervous about doing such a thing or even know what to do properly.

The film print is actually on the pink side.

If it's a film print issue, what does this mean for my print? A dud? I got it off ebay quite a few months ago now, so doubt I can return it.

[Robert Curtis]

Many years ago, I had a GS1200 with exactly the same optical sound issue as you describe. After changing to a Fumeo 9119, the same optical prints ran perfectly on a different projector. I now have another GS1200 which has no problem with optical prints. As your problem is the same as I experienced, I suspect your problem could be with the GS1200 and not the film. Have you changed the exciter lamp? Over time, the filament in the exciter lamp sags and an old exciter lamp affects sound quality. Also try gently cleaning the split lens (where the optical soundtrack is 'read' near the exciter lamp) with a cotton bud and isopropyl alcohol. Otherwise your GS1200 may need the optical line-up recalibrated by someone who can service the GS1200.

[Lee Hardcastle]

Update: FIXED!

Thanks Robert, I gave the split lens a clean, and it solved the issue!