Projecting Basics
Notes on how to project using a 16 mm film projector.
The comprehensive PDF version of the projecting guide can be found here (238 k).
The Procedure
Setting Up
- Turn on the projectors (including the wall switch)
- remove the covers
- clean the gates
- insert the lenses
- choose appropriate reels
Also:
- Set up the slide projector
- switch the lighting master on
- check the lights
- switch the intercom on
- ensure that the speaker in the cinema is plugged in
Notes:
- On the back of the projector is a speed switch. It should always be set to '24' (frames per second) unless the film is completely silent. A completely silent film has sprocket holes on both sides and should be screened at '18' instead. (The speed can be switched whilst screening if it’s obviously wrong.) The volume may need to be turned right down in order to avoid static-type noise coming through.
- Cinemascope lenses: not often required — it should be indicated with the film. The usual lenses need to have the front bits unscrewed and the Cinemascope lenses attached. They are much heavier than the normal ones and may go out of focus easily — keep an eye on it. Make sure the original lenses are put back together properly!
Loading the Film
- Have the projectors switched to 'load' (white switch) and '3' (dial on projector). The film on the reel should hang away from the projector with the sprocket holes on the outside. Trim the end if necessary at '1' on the front of the projector.
- Push down the autoload lever (at '2').
- Insert the film end at '4' and feed it in a little.
- Press 'Roll' until enough film is through to feed into the second reel; press 'Stop'. Keep an eye on the film at this stage; have the cover open to check that it’s going through properly. If it gets caught, press 'Stop' and see if you can spot a problem — maybe due to the autoload not being down, damaged film or just the projector’s personality showing through. Put it on to 'rewind' (dial) if necessary to get the film out, repair if necessary and try again.
- Hook the film into the reel.
- Press 'Roll' again to wind the film on further. Check that the autoload level has sprung back (Snap!); if not, flick it back yourself, then press 'Stop'. Smaller, lighter reels are not likely to not pull back the autoload by themselves; big ones are generally alright. Signs the autoload has not flicked back are film being chewed up or the image (if you get that far) being very flickery and unwatchable.
- Switch to 'Run' (white switch) and '5' second setting (dial).
- Set the volume on the projector; '5' or '6' is usually about right. For the left-hand projector, ensure the Sound switch is set to 'On'.
- Press 'Roll' then 'Show' to screen. Check the focus using the countdown, etc. on the leader tape before the official screening, preferably both reels. Rewind a little if necessary (dial) though avoid it as much as possible.
- Check the volume — through the Rainbow Room window is best.
- Keep watching to adjust the focus as necessary.
Reel Changeover
- Set up the second projector beforehand, in the same manner as the first projector. Wind the film through until the countdown mark '3' is emerging from the rear of the projector.
- Watch the reel as the film nears the end. Watch for the 'the real' watermarks (also called 'cigarette burns'; have you seen Fight Club?). There should be two of them about seven seconds apart in the top right corner, though there may be only one or none at all.
- At the second mark, hit 'Roll' then 'Show' on the second projector, then hit 'Stop' on the first projector. Do this rapidly if possible. There should be a bit of leeway on both reels to allow for the change.
- Check the focus and volume.
Unloading
- Switch the projector to 'load' (white switch) and '3' (dial).
- Press 'Roll' to feed the the last of the film through the projector and press 'Stop'.
- Load another reel or pack up.
Rewinding
Usually films should not be rewound. If it is required, perform the following:
- Do not rewind the film through the mechanism. Move the rear arm of the projector up into the 'second position' and feed the end of the film straight back onto the first reel.
- Switch the dial to 'rewind' and press 'Roll'.
- On top of the projector are two buttons. The one with the circle with an arrow curling around it is the 'fast rewind' button. Press it once rewinding has begun (it will be nagated when the dial is switched forward again.
- Rewinding can also be performed on the elbow-grease powered benchtop model.
What else can go wrong?
- If there is a problem, press 'Stop'.
- Film may catch and melt if 'Roll' is held too long before pressing 'Show' (or for other mysterious reasons sometimes). This will make pretty patterns on the screen, but it is not good. Switch to 'load' and '3' to feed the film through.
- Melted, scrunched, torn or otherwise damaged film can be cut out and the ends joiner with the splicer. It has its own mini-guillotine. Line up the holes and tape both sides. Return any large sections of cut film to the supplier and write what happened on the form.
- If suddenly there is no picture but the film is still running happily, it’s probable that the globe has gone. Switch over to the second globe (on the dial) and carry on. After that reel has finished, you can replace the globe. They are easily replaced without removing the film or the lens. Open the cover and release the holding wire (just behind the gates/lens), then unplug the globe from its socket. Replacements are in the box in the cabinet.
- Funny sound, slipping or jumpy picture: if you’re at the beginning, try taking it all out and reloading. If you’re in mid-reel and you’re brave, play with the clutch (press-down level sort of above the dial) to see if it will slip into place. Of course, it’s likely it’s simply a dodgy reel or damaged sprocket holes, in which case there’s probably not a lot you can do.
- Squeaks, scrapes and other reel noise: there’s always some, and usually it’s not a problem, though watch for warped reels. If the film is really scraping and pulling on the mechanism a lot or not winding onto the reel properly, manual guidance may be necessary.
Film Care Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Clean the projector (especially the lenses) before each film.
- Look for possible faults (e.g. torn sprocket holes, scratched film) during projection.
- Store reels vertically in the projection cupboard.
- Turn the projector off at the first sign of trouble.
- Report any damaged film to the film library (use the form they supply).
Don’t
- Don’t leave the projector unattended.
- Don’t project in reverse.
- Don’t use different sized reels to the original.
- Don’t expose plastic reels to heat.
- Don’t return the film with a slack wind.
- Don’t rewind the film. (The red trailer should be showing when finished.)
