Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: BKSTS MANUAL

This is topic BKSTS MANUAL in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Sally Burgess (Member # 1493) on 04-28-2005, 10:26 AM:

Can anyone recommend the BKSTS Projectionists Training Manual? I can get one for £40 brand new but just wanted to know if anyone could tell me just how useful it is...thanks [Smile]

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 04-28-2005, 10:44 AM:

I recommend it.

Can you borrow a copy to see for yourself before you buy?

Posted by Sally Burgess (Member # 1493) on 04-28-2005, 11:58 AM:

Hi John
I've looked on the web to see a preview of the manual but no joy! I've heard its a bit old fashioned, as it was published in 1979, is that right, and it doesnt cover digital sound?

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 04-28-2005, 12:08 PM:

The version that I have was published in 1997, and includes good basic information about digital sound in Topic 3 (6-10 to 6-17). But detailed information and procedures are best obtained from Dolby, DTS and Sony.

Posted by Sally Burgess (Member # 1493) on 04-28-2005, 03:01 PM:

Thanks John I'll look into that...

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 04-28-2005, 03:24 PM:

The 1979 and 1997 versions are two totally separate books - one isn't an update of the other.

The 1997 version is OK as a training aid for someone who is starting from zero, but not much use for a projectionist who knows the basics, has some experience and wants to develop advanced skills. There are lots of photos, and the basic functions and operation of projection booth kit is explained clearly and simply. But it doesn't really go into a lot of hard core technical detail, and IMHO isn't much use as a reference manual for the less frequently done and more complex maintenance and repair procedures. Neither is there anything substantial on, for example, changeover operation, or coping with older and rarer film formats.

The 1979 manual (written by Bernard Happé) is excellent on the theoretical background (e.g. electronics basics), film handling techniques and the underlying craft skills of the job. However, it is, as you suspect, a bit dated. For example, it includes sections on carbon arcs and electromechanical (e.g. Projectomatic) automation systems, but has nothing on SVA or digital sound, or polyester base film.

Personally I'd much rather that the BKSTS had updated, enlarged and perhaps selectively pruned the Happé manual rather than start again from scratch. Both are certainly worth having on the shelf, though whether they're worth the outlay is a judgement that only you can really make.