Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Film-Tech's new film cleaning media

my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

»	Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE » Operations » Film Handlers' Forum » Film-Tech's new film cleaning media

Author

Topic: Film-Tech's new film cleaning media

Pete Lawrence
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 192
From: Middleburg, PA
Registered: Aug 1999

posted 01-19-2001 11:28 PM

Let me start what should be an interesting thread.

Samples of the new cleaning fabric arrived today. I've had a chance to run two prints through the cleaner, using the new fabric and Film-Guard of course. First let me say my setup is a single machine with 2000 foot reels and a Christie cleaner. Yes, I'm one of those evil collectors.

Both prints were fairly dirty and had never be introduced to Film-Guard. My first observation was that all (yes, all) of the on-screen visible dirt was gone. However, the streaking visible on-screen was more pronounced. That should settle down quickly now that the dirt is removed. I'll post the results after a couple more runs.

The length of the rolls is great, the longer the better. I much prefer white, it's eaiser to see how dirty things really are.

I still have trouble attaching the fabric to the take-up spool. Everything is so slippery when a little Film-Guard gets on it. Any suggestions?

Anyway, two thumbs way, way up for the new media.

| IP: Logged

John Wilson
Film God

Posts: 5438
From: Sydney, Australia.
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 01-20-2001 12:15 AM

Attach the media to the take up before you apply the Film Guard.

------------------
"It's not the years, honey...it's the mileage". Indiana Jones

| IP: Logged

Darryl Spicer
Film God

Posts: 3250
From: Lexington, KY, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 01-20-2001 12:35 AM

Tried out the new pads today. We do not use film guard at our theater. From what I understand they do not want us to so I have not persude it. I wish I could because of all the good things I have read about it. Anyway, the performance of these pads without filmguard was remarkable. I noticed more dirt being removed with these pads than I did with the normal pads we use. It may have something to do with the fact they are treated with an antistatic agent and do not cause static wich just puts the dirt back on the film.

| IP: Logged

John Wilson
Film God

Posts: 5438
From: Sydney, Australia.
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 01-20-2001 12:51 AM

Why would they not want to use FG? If they care enough to get you media pads and a kelmar cleaner in the first place.

Do they give a reason or do they just not know and therefore deem it an unecessary expense?

Darryl, why not try telling them you will pay a 32oz bottle yourself on the proviso that if they love it, they will reimburse you for the bottle.

...and they will love it, Darryl...you know they will.

| IP: Logged

Brad Miller
Administrator

Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99

posted 01-20-2001 04:11 AM

Pete, the trick is to load up the pads onto the cleaner dry. Once the cleaner is set and ready to go, THEN press the tip of the FG bottle up against the pads and spray directly into the roll. That way there is no mess and no hassle of trying to get the takeup to "grab" the core.

| IP: Logged

Jeremy Spracklen
Film Handler

Posts: 39
From: Arlington, TX, USA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 01-20-2001 09:42 AM

I have been a testing theater for Brad for a few years now and I have been working with the new pads for about a month. One interesting thing that I am finding is that the samples he gave me are so durable that we are able to use the same pads for two weeks at a time, instead of changing out the media every week. Of course we resoak the pads after 7 days to simulate new pads. I have to say that I am impressed with the quality of these. They wind perfectly straight and are not folding over on any of us when we try and rewind them. They are far superior to the Filcro and Kelmar pads that I have used in the past. I give them a solid A+. What is everyone else finding?

| IP: Logged

Greg Mueller
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1687
From: Port Gamble, WA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 01-20-2001 10:47 AM

Pete
I use Ronsonol unscented lighter fluid for cleaning the tape glue and gunk off of the film before splicing (it has naptha in it). Before I load a new set of cleaning media I use the lighter fluid to clean the black plastic cores so the tape will stick to them. I also use "Albertson's 100% cotton flats" ($2 for 40 flats) which are normally used for removing makeup off of women's faces. The only problem with the cotton is that if you snag it on a rough edge it will leave fibers so you have to watch for that. Otherwise it's a very inexpensive way to do it, and an easy to get product combination.
I don't smoke so I don't have to worry with the lighter fluid.

I've used it on all types of film and it has had no ill effects.

------------------
Greg Mueller
Amateur Astronomer, Machinist, Filmnut

| IP: Logged

Brad Miller
Administrator

Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99

posted 01-20-2001 02:21 PM

Oh yes another trick on attaching the media to the takeup cores, use Scotch "magic" tape (not "transparent" tape...make sure it says "magic") to attach the media to the takeup cores. All you need to do is take a paper towel, shop rag, whatever and give the cores a quick wipe and the Scotch tape will adhere exceptionally well (better than even artist's tape) and does not leave any marks.

One day soon I'll make a FG tips page, I promise.

| IP: Logged

Ethan Harper
E-dawggg!!!

Posts: 325
From: Plano, TX, USA
Registered: May 2000

posted 01-20-2001 05:37 PM

I have recently tested these pads and WOW! They are amazing. The durability on these pads are incredible. They definitely do pick up more dirt than any other brand of media pads I have ever used. They definitely achieve their full potential. I would not reccomend using any other brand to anybody. Film-Tech products brings a new name in presentation. I am very happy with these pads and will continue to use them. I hope that everyone out here will have the advantage of using this superior product.

| IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.