Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: 35mm color is washed out

This is topic 35mm color is washed out in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011133

Posted by Timothy B Davis (Member # 4100) on 01-16-2012, 05:57 PM:

I have one 35mm projector that always makes the pictures look washed out. It looks like a smudged lens or something but they're clean. The colors aren't bright and it seems like it needs a contrast adjustment to make the picture look more defined. It isn't bad enough to have customers complain but I'd like to get it figured out and fixed. All our 35mm projectors are Strong with Strong lamphouses. Both flat and scope look the same. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Tim

Posted by Jack Theakston (Member # 4484) on 01-16-2012, 06:13 PM:

How many hours on the bulb? What make lenses?

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 01-16-2012, 06:52 PM:

Could be an over focused bulb. Do new prints look good at first then progressively get worse or do they look this way with the pass run through?

Burnt lenses? When light is projected through the lens does the lens appear "cloudy"?

Posted by Timothy B Davis (Member # 4100) on 01-16-2012, 09:02 PM:

The bulb is an Osram 2000k with about 4k hours on it and it's amps are just under 70. The lens is a 65mm scope Schneider/Kreuznach lens. Flat lens is the same brand.
The lens looks clean looking at the ends.
By "Over focused" do you mean I might have it too bright and should back it away from the reflector?

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-16-2012, 09:34 PM:

I think that projector is running out of Technicolor.

You need to send one of your U.B.s down to the hardware store to pick up a spare can but then you had better put an order in for a couple of cases as soon as possible.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-16-2012, 09:37 PM:

quote: Timothy B Davis
The bulb is an Osram 2000k with about 4k hours on it

Right there is the big one: Osram in a STRONG console ... should use Christies.

Christies and STRONG make a better couple.

Bulb is tired and has lost its luminance output. Should be changed 150% over warranty where 4K hours is milking the crap out of it. Bulb light output is only good for the first 500 hrs then they gradually start losing it.

quote: Randy Stankey
is running out of Technicolor.

...lol...'bout as bad as going "snipe" hunting...and "DAMN!", you can get "U.B's" to believe anything (tell them to check on that person in the "family bathroom" just to make sure that he aint dead)....

Did a service call on a theatre last year that complained on 'washed out' colors while in 'scope .. inside coating on the front element of the prime lens was totally backed to a crisp.

Posted by Timothy B Davis (Member # 4100) on 01-16-2012, 10:42 PM:

Jeremy, they look the same right away. The lens doesn't appear cloudy. Thanks, Tim

Posted by Victor Liorentas (Member # 5272) on 01-16-2012, 11:29 PM:

Has anyone been using WD-40 near this projector?

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 01-17-2012, 12:38 AM:

1. Swap lens with a good projector.

2. Look at reflector coating, is it dull?

3. Remove porthole glass and test.

4. I agree that Osram does not like the switcher rectifier. 4k hours is about 150% of warranty (2400 hours). I am assuming that the bulb is an XBO-2000w/hxl, not the "cheaper" Osram.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-17-2012, 03:09 AM:

+1 on the porthole glass ... Simplexes, if they're leaky ones, loves to spray an ultra fine mist of oil on the glass when the oil hits the main drive belt or the flywheel.