Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: source for 16mm reel bands?

This is topic source for 16mm reel bands? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 09-24-2013, 01:35 PM:

I am looking for about 25 16mm reel bands of the type that Swank uses on their 16mm prints. They are made of thick plastic and have a metal clip that holds them together around the film. These are quite different in construction from standard 35mm paper reel bands, but they serve the same purpose. Who makes/sells these?

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 09-24-2013, 11:59 PM:

Hey Scott: Why don't you ask the guys over at 16mm Film Talk?

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 09-25-2013, 07:18 AM:

Thanks; will do.

More information: these bands say "Pro-Tex" on them. Google says that the trademark has not been renewed, but that it was previously owned by Anderson Industries in Cleveland.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-25-2013, 10:23 AM:

up here every one had a painted cloth reel band similar to what the censor board issued for 35mm

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 09-25-2013, 01:30 PM:

If you don't mind my asking, and with apologies for veering this potentially off topic, but are these bands to use on prints in regular use or in long-term storage?

If the 16mm prints in question are polyester this doesn't really matter, but if they're triacetate then film in long-term storage needs to breathe, or else the build-up of acetic acid vapour between the film pack and the flanges of the reels, and around the edges of the film pack if sealed with a band, can accelerate the vinegar syndrome process and cause the film to decay faster than otherwise.

In an ideal world, acetate film elements should be in long term storage on/in an inert polypropylene core/container, and preferably in a vented can and in a vault with good air circulation (to get rid of acetic off-gases) and temperature and humidity control (to keep the rate of deacetylation to a minimum).

Obviously, most of us are not in an ideal world, but what struck me here is that putting bands around film elements that are going to be in long-term storage could be making a problem worse. But if they're to protect regularly projected prints in shipping, then no problem.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 09-25-2013, 05:16 PM:

These are for polyester prints intended for projection.

Posted by Ed Inman (Member # 2583) on 10-01-2013, 01:15 PM:

Scott, I have a slitter that will convert paper 35mm reel bands to 16mm. It cuts right down the middle so the string attachment is unaffected. I can make as many as you need for 25 cents each. Just send me some unwanted 35mm reel bands. Email for more information edinman@earthlink.net

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 10-02-2013, 11:52 AM:

Thanks, Ed. I still want the plastic ones, but I will be in touch if they cannot be located.

Posted by Gary A. Hoselton (Member # 3447) on 10-07-2013, 10:57 PM:

Try Steve Newton in Atlanta. He has an amazing range of goodies. sanewton@bellsouth.net