"tram lines" on my precious originals!

[AlexGfromUK]

I've finally laid my hands on a super 8 projector (Its a Eumig s 810D dual format with sound).

Although its cool to be able to view footage properly (instead of on a motorised editor!) I've noticed how scratched up my films actually are. They have "tram line" type scratches running over vast lengths of the film. Is this particular projector savage on film or is it my bad handling practices? Unforunately I did'nt make a mental note of whether repeated viewings on the projector were what caused the damage or if it was there from the first time I watched the footage.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks on keeping film in nice condition, because I really don't want the problems with my existing footage to get worse!

Also, I was wondering why these kind of problems don't show up in movie theatres. I guess it has do with the size of a scratch relative to the image area on the film.

Thanks to anyone who can help with this!

[Hanthx]

Alex!

Nice to hear your still around!
Most likely your projector is scratching your film. Typically what happens is-as the film runs through the projector gate, it will leave deposits of emulsion, dust, hair, and the likes. So, when you load your next film up, it's more than likely to get scratched. I had borrowed an Elmo St-800 for a while, and since the projector allowed access to the gate (the bulb swings open) I could clean it, by using a "child's toothbrush"(extremely soft bristles that are stitched into the brush). After that I never had a problem with scrathes. Another suggestions would be to clean your films everyone once in a while. So, before and after you load up a film, try and clean the gate. Compressed air (for me) usually didn't work, film emulsion is kinda sticky.

Talk to you soon bud, hope all is well in your shire.

Scott

[TA152]

AlexG:

I have a Eumig 810S projector that is very good but the design isn?t good for the film at the windback because it very often scratches the film.

I do not know if the 810D have the same design. The 810S places both reels on a common shaft at the rear. When you wind back the film you will have to make a loop over anonter wheel at the front.

As the film is wound back it slides over a guide at te top of the projector. This is a spot where the film is very vulnerable and exposed to get scratches.

At first it has to be very clean (as rest of the filmgate area) and the film have to be positioned very properly to not slide out of the guide. If it does you may easily get scratches.

It is not a consistent "scratcher" but if you are unlucky you will get them there.

Just in case that the design is identical.