Re: Eclair ACL OFFENSIVE POLITICS and MAGAZINE MODIFICATION

[Mark <super16acl@aol.com>]

Hey guys ... no need for undue sparks to fly. I think everyone contributing 
to the NAFTA discussion here on the old ACL List has raised a personal 
point-of-view of deep concern to many individuals on both sides of the 
border; it's clearly a complex and emotional issue which --- for better or 
worse --- will be settled in Washington and Ottawa. 

Meanwhile, I've updated the latest version of the Super-16 conversion guide 
for the HD-144, and I though the chapter on MAGAZINE MODIFICATION might be of 
interest to anyone out there who has a Super-16 camera regardless of how it 
was converted. These ideas are clearly just my own, and I invite others to 
share their own thoughts and experiences, since some may disagree with my 
approach not to automatically modify either the pressure plate or the rollers 
that contact the base-side of the film: 

Magazine Modification

     In theory, an ACL magazine in proper condition is not supposed to 
scratch film in any area at all. However as a precaution, it is advisable for 
all rollers in the magazine that contact the emulsion side of the film to 
have the track-side support machined from the current 2.8mm down to 0.7mm.  
If the roller was originally anodized, then it should be re-anodized after 
the modification. (Many rollers will have had some of their anodizing worn 
off from years of use, so that re-anodizing is a good idea just to restore 
them to their original condition). This is a sensible precaution, since an 
emulsion scratch cannot be fixed (short of very expensive digital 
correction).

    The locking hubs that hold the film into the sprocket drive (take-up 
side) should not require modification, as the stainless steel rings on either 
end are already quite thin.

    Since base scratches are not fatal, (they can be removed by wetgating), 
it is not as critical to modify any rollers that contact the base side of the 
film unless there is already a problem showing up with a particular magazine 
(for example a damaged roller that is scratching the film-base). 
 
    Modification of the pressure plate is not recommended if no scratching 
problem currently exists --- based on practical experience with tens of 
thousands of feet of film run through 200 foot and 400 foot magazines, French 
and English versions, a pressure plate in undamaged condition should not 
generate scratches anywhere. If your magazine is scratching the Super-16 area 
of the film-base, then first check the magazine for problems in other places 
--- or for actual damage on the pressure plate itself. 

    There will doubtless be experiences and opinions that differ from above. 
Consult with your camera Tech.

A HINT IN TRACKING DOWN THE SOURCE OF EMULSION SCRATCHES
(Regular-16 and Super-16)

    If you encounter consistent emulsion scratching, then the place in the 
magazine where this is occurring will likely show a buildup of a silvery 
residue. Also, be certain to unscrew the plastic housing in which the film 
travels from the feed side to the take-up side --- if the inside of this 
plastic housing shows such a buildup, then the trouble is likely happening in 
here. Also, it is a good idea to clean inside this housing occasionally, as 
film chips can lodge inside. Also make certain that no film chips or other 
debris are lodged inside the magazine's Nose (the piece that has the square 
rubber ring, and that houses the pressure plate), (removal of the nose piece 
is easy:  just unscrew the two screws on the top and bottom, as well as the 3 
on the side. With the doors of the magazine off, gently pull the Nose Piece 
from the mag. Then remove the two screws attaching the spring holder in 
place. Pull this out, and then gently lift out the Pressure Plate. Inside the 
Nose there are chrome-plated film supports. Although the track-side of these 
supports can also be machined to .7mm for safety --- they contact the 
emulsion side --- this is not a likely source of scratching unless there is 
actual damage--- such as the curved end being bent inwards).

[This technical stuff sure sounds dull after the NAFTA debate!]

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