Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: using Lavezzi AG1 / AFG1 alignment tools

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Posted by Catalin Balaceanu (Member # 3712) on 07-08-2010, 02:12 AM:

Hey guys,

after dismantling one of my projectors for cleaning, I've been having a bit of a problem with the film trap alignment in relation to the intermittent sprocket.
Searching through the forum, I found some of you recommended the LaVezzi AFG1, AG1 or Schneider alignment gauge (not an option due to higher price). Before I'd go ahead and order one of them, I'd like to know how to use them and which one would be more fit for the job.
In case this counts, the projectors I have (romanian made) have curved gate.

Thanks

Catalin

Posted by Catalin Balaceanu (Member # 3712) on 07-08-2010, 03:06 PM:

Anybody?!

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 07-09-2010, 01:51 PM:

Hi Catalin:

Well, there is no easy answer to your question frankly. But for a curved gate setup, your best bet for alignment is the steel alignment film Lavezzi sells. (It is pricey, I paid close to $100 U.S. for it some years ago.) You simply thread it like regular film and align the sprocket and lateral rollers (if you have them).

If you are reasonably sure the lateral roller are in line, you can get pretty close sprocket alignment using standard film that is undamaged, by visually centering the teeth in the perfs. The trick is to make sure the film is perfectly steady and straight during the process.

I have used the AG-1 (which is really intended for straight traps) to align curved traps but it is not a process I can describe here and it is very time-consuming.

Hope this info helps you out..

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-09-2010, 03:49 PM:

Thanks, Tony, my experience exactly. I just could not figure out a way to describe it! Louis

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 07-09-2010, 05:09 PM:

You're welcome Louis. [beer]

It took me quite a while to think it through so I could describe it on the web...you know first hand that something that is not really complicated but detailed is easy for us to do, but hard to explain without writing a novel.

Hopefully the info helps Catalin out.

Posted by Catalin Balaceanu (Member # 3712) on 07-10-2010, 01:51 AM:

Thank you very much for your effort, Tony! That's exactly what I needed to know, as I couldn't decide between AG1 and AFG1, not knowing how each one works.
How thick is the stainless steel film, by the way? Is it like...a lot stiffer then the normal film?

Thanks

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 07-10-2010, 01:33 PM:

You're welcome. [Smile]

Yes the steel film is a lot thicker, it would be like perhaps 3-4 layers of acetate or 4-5 layers of mylar and it is very springy.

IIRC they give you about 4 feet of it, enough to fully thread the average projector film path.