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Topic: RP-40 for silent films?

Leo Enticknap
Film God

Posts: 7474
From: Loma Linda, CA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 09-26-2000 07:26 PM

Does anyone know of a test film like the RP-40 which marks the dimensions of the full-gate silent aperture?

Whenever I cut silent plates I use an RP-40 and take a guess at where the left-hand edge should be, but usually get it wrong and end up filing too far and exposing the perforations. If a test film exists with the appropriate vertical line I be grateful to hear about it.

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Randy Stankey
Film God

Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99

posted 09-26-2000 09:21 PM

Just spitballing here....

Couldn't you just do the top, bottom and off-soundtrack side first then take the film out and thread it with the soundtrack going the other way?

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Stan Gunn
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 176
From: Clematis, in the hills near Melbourne Australia
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 09-26-2000 10:06 PM

Hi Leo

The problem is simple,
use the test film for magnetic 35mm format no pesky sound track in the way.
Although i think it may not be quite as wide as silent (long time since Ihave done it)but close enough to rough out the plate.

------------------
PROJECTIONISTS LOVE THIER CRAFT.
KANDY BAR KIDS JUST GET PAID.

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John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 09-27-2000 03:59 PM

Randy:
Your "spitball" idea of flipping the orientation of the SMPTE 35-PA (RP40) film should work well for defining the left side of the silent film frame.

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com

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Steve Guttag
We forgot the crackers Gromit!!!

Posts: 12814
From: Annapolis, MD
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 09-28-2000 08:01 AM

There are a couple of tricks of the trade....John may back me up on this, I did try and get the Silent centerline and side markings onto the 35-PA test target but it was deemed to interfer with the important targets (I think the centerline obscured the 85lines/mm.

For Silent apertures, you are looking for .680 x .910 as an aperture. 35mm CinemaScope's aperture was .715 x .910 so if you have an old copy of the CS test film that isn't offset for the optical soundtrack, you will have a reference for the edges. The current 35-PA test target will let you measure the .680 height.

The other trick is to take the 35-PA test loop and splice it into a twist so on every pass it switches (mind you the focus will be out on the backwards pass) but it will give you the ability to not over cut your plates. You are looking for equal on both sides.

Steve

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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"

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John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 09-28-2000 09:17 AM

Steve: Maybe we should ask for a "Super 35" test film as a new item of business at the SMPTE Projection Committee? Over on r.a.m.t, several have asked about the availability of a "set up" film for Super 35 printing and projection.

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Leo Enticknap
Film God

Posts: 7474
From: Loma Linda, CA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 09-28-2000 11:05 AM

Many thanks for the tips - will go with an RP-40 reversed to get the left-hand edge. No-one seems to do a 35 mag test film - have tried three British supply companies without success.

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Larry Shaw
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 238
From: Boston, MA, USA
Registered: Mar 2000

posted 09-28-2000 01:32 PM

Test film showing silent and multi-ratio S35 can be ordered from http://www.blsi.com

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Steve Guttag
We forgot the crackers Gromit!!!

Posts: 12814
From: Annapolis, MD
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 09-28-2000 04:34 PM

Larry,

How accurate is your test film? Is it camera original? Is just a good test film to ensure you don't over cut (which would be fine in many cases). For silent films, does it have a .680"? Does the blsi web site have a picture of the target?

On a side issue. Is anyone making 16mm optical and magnetic (striped) test films. In particular, 50% modulation (not P16-SL) and pink noise? I believe the BKSTS is offering a super-16 target.

Steve

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Gordon McLeod
Film God

Posts: 9532
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 99

posted 09-28-2000 07:58 PM

BKSTS has a super 35 test film that should do the job

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