This is topic Humidity and Film-Guard in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Charles Lubner (Member # 157) on 07-11-2000, 10:54 PM:
Hey all. I just ordered my first bottle of Film-Guard and I am wondering if it prevents prints from "drooping" in humid conditions. Lately I've been having a lot of problems with film dragging all over the floor because of the high humidity in Wisconsin. Thanks!
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 07-12-2000, 12:30 AM:
Drooping??? Could you explain a bit further? What make/model platters?
Posted by Charles Lubner (Member # 157) on 07-13-2000, 12:37 AM:
I'm using a Strong 5 deck for 2 Pro35 machines. We use 2 ceiling rollers and floor rollers to string the film across when going from platter to projector and back. Because of the humid air the film gets heavy and sags down between the ceiling rollers, onto the floor, getting caught up in the rewind. It's almost as if the payout platter is feeding out the film too fast, but the speed is fine when the weather is nice.
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 07-13-2000, 04:14 AM:
That is incredibly common with Strong platters. The ball bearing rollers help it along, making it worse. I've never personally noticed it being worse as the weather changed, but it is an interesting theory as I experienced that problem frequently in Texas (very humid) and Joe said he never had that problem in Colorado (dryer climate).Generally, you need to place the platters as close as possible to the projector to prevent this. Roughly how far apart is the platter from the projector (film distance in mid-air)? Are these the older style platters with the "on/off" microswitch in the centerfeed, or the newer ones with the leds on the top of the centerfeed?
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 07-13-2000, 09:34 AM:
Nuemade "Nuetronic" platters do this,(drooping) too. You know how the film path through many platters has the film going down to a roller, then up to the top of the mast? On the Nuemade, where the film is going down, it actually overshoots and goes on the floor.I like that tension thing in the payout heads of Christies.
Maybe a simple fix is to place more ceiling rollers, to support the film more.
There is a fair amount of tension on the film on the take-up side. Yet, you say you have floor rollers to return the film? How far away are the platter/projectors?
Posted by Pat Moore (Member # 380) on 07-13-2000, 12:01 PM:
Hi; I have seen this problem with five-deck installations. Chances are you're somewhere between the two cinemas that the five-deck runs and the film run from platter to the projector is really long. One support roller between the two isn't enough. The humidity apparently makes the film heavy enough in the space between the platter and support roller that it overcomes the resistance of the feed assembly. One thing about the Strong platters, there's almost -0- tension on the feed side and that's why that's happening. Nothing to hold back the film.
If you add support rollers to reduce the span and the resulting film weight the problem will likely go away. You must be right to a point where humidity makes the final difference.
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 07-13-2000, 02:07 PM:
Maybe the top roller on the STRONG platter should be changed so it is not consisted of ball bearings? Just changing that one roller would make a world of difference, and it wouldn't cost too much to do so.
Posted by Pat Moore (Member # 380) on 07-13-2000, 02:30 PM:
Joe;
We have looked at doing that, some change in the top roller or center feed, but everything involves pinching film and we've always tried to stay away from that. Under normal circumstances, where the film is spanning a normal 5-8 feet or so, it's normally not a problem.
Our Wrap Detectors are a little exception to pinching film, though. They keep enough tension on the film so slack is not such a problem.
By the way, you ready to check out that new splicer? It's in the box...
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 07-14-2000, 04:28 AM:
I've been ready. I've been curious as to why I haven't seen it yet. It looks pretty good from what I can tell from the pictures. Is the handle really unbreakable? You do realize that I will have to put it to the test 
Posted by Pat Moore (Member # 380) on 07-14-2000, 06:27 AM:
Joe;
I think the splicer might do a better job of parking the car than the Bevin-poos, but as to the handle being really unbreakable... we shall see. We should have it to you soon.
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 07-14-2000, 02:41 PM:
Now you've gone and done it! Now I will have to test the splicer directly against the Bevan-Poos! I don't think I'll put the splicer on the platter to secure the tail, though.
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 07-14-2000, 03:39 PM:
Joe put it on the platter to test the handle that seems how most get brocken anyway being left on the platter