Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: FM-35 presence problems with American Gangster

This is topic FM-35 presence problems with American Gangster in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 11-12-2007, 08:37 PM:

I have heard several reports of FM-35 presence problems with American Gangster. Anyone else been having issues? What would cause this? Yes, the FM-35's have the upgrades.

Posted by Kat Baggett (Member # 1154) on 11-13-2007, 06:18 AM:

I had to have reels 6 & 8 replaced on my print, for some reason, the FM 35 in my #2 house refused to detect those 2 reels, the replacement reels played fine..however it did take a lot of explaining to the person on the phone about what was happening..and he said he had never heard of that type of a problem before...and yes there is a Santa Clause, Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-13-2007, 10:02 AM:

It maybe that this has sections that are printed with high silver and I have had the FM35 have issues with those types of prints

Posted by Brian Long (Member # 2964) on 11-13-2007, 12:30 PM:

Gordon is correct in pointing out that some sections of some films printed with high silver trip up the presence detection of the FM-35.

If you find that you are experiencing this issue, there are a couple of things that you can do. First, make sure that the optical assemblies of your FM-35 are upgraded. There will be a red dot on the optical assemblies that have been upgraded.

Second, make sure that your optical assembly is clean. I suggest giving it a real bath. Remove the large black roller and then remove the two small Phillips head screws which hold the optical assembly to the chassis. With the screws out the whole assembly can be unplugged by pulling it straight out. Spray the sensor area thoroughly with one of the stronger household cleaners such as "Formula 409", "Texize" or the like. Allow the detergent to work a minute or two and then scrub it with a toothbrush. Then rinse it off with a strong stream of hot water. Dry it all off and put it back together.

If you find that you are still experiencing this problem, please feel free to call me.

Brian Long
Component Engineering