Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Films that clean equipment?

This is topic Films that clean equipment? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Matthew Bailey (Member # 601) on 04-30-2001, 05:43 PM:

I have an idea for a type of film that
would clean projectors and platters.
The idea calls for a length or reel
of film with the finest possible bristly
brush-like material affixed to both sides of
the film. It can be run dry or used
with Film Guard. Any suggestions for films
that can clean?

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 04-30-2001, 06:03 PM:

In theory, "Protect-A-Print" leader sort of cleans the film path. In reality, it tends to create fine scratches in the projector gate. It's horribly expensive as well. I have no idea why the 16mm distributors continue to insist on splicing it onto all of their prints.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 05-01-2001, 09:21 AM:

Why do 16mm distributors insist on Protect-A-Print? Well, assuming that lots of college/institutional exhibitors NEVER clean or maintain their projectors, may very well be using Bell & Howell "autoshredders", and haven't the slightest idea what they are doing I guess it's some kind of insurance. Given the hideous emulsion scratches on some of the prints I've seen coming out of Swank, however, you have to question how much good it does. Interesting comment about the gate scratches though Scott, I've never noticed any but I'll keep my eyes open now.