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SMPTE Recommended Practice RP151, "Lubrication of 35-mm Motion-Picture Prints for Projection", specifically cautions about the use of oily materials as film lubricants:

4.2 Unsuitable Lubricants.
The lubricant and solvent used should have no adverse effect on the film, and should be effective in prolonging the projection life of the print. Mineral oils (motor oil, projector oil) may dissolve and leach out the oil-soluble dyes in the film, and should not be used. Non volatile oils (mineral or silicone) may cause mottle or undesirable sticking together of the film surfaces, which may cause dirt particles to adhere to the film. Some materials may attack the film base or emulsion, or have an adverse effect on image stability or projection life. Avoid using solvents that are flammable or explosive, or that pose a health or environmental hazard (e.g., benzine or carbon tetrachloride).

Many have found FilmGuard to be an excellent film cleaner and lubricant. When used in accordance with Brad's instructions, the minute amount of oily residue on the print has evidently caused no problems on release prints. But excessive or incorrect application can be problematic with this class of lubricants.

As Brad and Joe note, any good thing (e.g., Windex, Kodak film cleaner, FilmGuard, beer, etc.) shouldn't be used in excess.

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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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Scott A. Magie

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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

Hey John. Can you really speak, read, and write Latin? Or are you using a software program like Global Office Competitive Upgrade? I know that package has a Latin Transliteration option. I only took two years in high school and the only use me and the guys ever had for it was to use the phase "Delicatus immanis mamma habeo" all the time. And I never got slapped.

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The man with the magic hands.

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Vir cum magicus manus.

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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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1. A surprising number have taken Latin and participated in "toga parties".
2. They understand and like electronics.
3. They know and like film, and its rich history.
4. They are photography and/or video hobbyists.
5. They are into computers and the Internet in a big way, and know the trials and tribulations of digital technology.
6. They can't tolerate poor quality images or sound.
7. They try to do the best job they can with what they have to work with, and are sometimes frustrated, and usually underpaid.
8. They like beer.
9. They like to "talk shop" with other projectionists.
10. Projection is "in their blood".

Is this "top ten" list a good profile?

BTW, I've gone back in this thread and added an English translation of what I thought I said in Latin, for those not fortunate enough to have spent a few years with the original writings of Julius Caesar and Cicero. I won't even attempt to translate the other Latin postings in a public forum.

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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

That's not quite the translation I pulled from it, but no matter. My point is as always that PTRs are generally only effective in preventing dirt accumulation on new prints in a clean environment whereas FilmGuard can even remove embedded dirt down the road on old prints in dirty environments. Also, PTRs don't do too good of a job in "typical" booths. Very few people have white glove room quality booths and that is why PTRs are best suited for applications such as labs. Also in a multiplex, there's just no time to keep cleaning the rollers between shows. In the end, they really don't save any money over media type cleaners because they lose their "sticky" very quickly and fail to continue to perform the job they do when brand new. It's a neat idea, but anyone who has done direct comparisons between the two in real world environments can easily back me up on what I've stated here.

...and no, I do not like beer.

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I look at the first 10 - 15 feet of the first reel, and then I look at the "edges" of the film on the reels, and if there's a lot of dust evident, then the PTRs get used for the first night only. This system works pretty well for me, at least till we can afford a media-cleaner and a supply of FG.