Film base: Difference between revisions

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*A note about the use of the term "film stock" in this article. People often use "film stock" interchangeably with "film base" to refer to the physical material upon which the film is printed as identified by the composition of the "film base". This is a colloquial use of the term. The proper use of [[film stock]] is to refer to film manufactured by a specific film lab, or that is associated with specific properties of the emulsion like color saturation or development speed etc. For example, you might say "this film was printed on black and white Orwo stock" or "Kodak 2383 stock".
*A note about the use of the term "film stock" in this article. People often use "film stock" interchangeably with "film base" to refer to the physical material upon which the film is printed as identified by the composition of the "film base". This is a colloquial use of the term. The proper use of [[film stock]] is to refer to film manufactured by a specific film lab, or that is associated with specific properties of the emulsion like color saturation or development speed etc. For example, you might say "this film was printed on black and white Orwo stock" or "Kodak 2383 stock".


==How to tell the difference between the base side and the emulsion side==
===How to tell the difference between the base side and the emulsion side===
The base side of a print will look shinier, the emulsion side more matte and you can often see the raised edges within the frame where the emulsion is thickest. Using a flashlight, move the film back and forth and observe how the light reflects off the surface. It is easier to tell which side is which more on certain prints than others. Black and white prints are often the easiest, very worn prints or newer color prints can be difficult.   
The base side of a print will look shinier, the emulsion side more matte and you can often see the raised edges within the frame where the emulsion is thickest. Using a flashlight, move the film back and forth and observe how the light reflects off the surface. It is easier to tell which side is which more on certain prints than others. Black and white prints are often the easiest, very worn prints or newer color prints can be difficult.   
   
   
==Why is it important to know what film base a print has?==
===Why is it important to know what film base a print has?===
* '''For Projection:''' Only venues who are properly equipped to project nitrate film should do so. Many projectors require gate tension adjustments between prints that are polyester and acetate the latter is slightly thicker. This difference in thickness also means adjustments in focus must be made if acetate and polyester films are spliced together in a single reel (such as a trailer reel).
* '''For Projection:''' Only venues who are properly equipped to project nitrate film should do so. Many projectors require gate tension adjustments between prints that are polyester and acetate the latter is slightly thicker. This difference in thickness also means adjustments in focus must be made if acetate and polyester films are spliced together in a single reel (such as a trailer reel).
* '''For Storage:'''Nitrate and acetate films have very specific needs with regard to long term storage. Improper storage can lead to deterioration of the film base.     
* '''For Storage:'''Nitrate and acetate films have very specific needs with regard to long term storage. Improper storage can lead to deterioration of the film base.
 
==Types of Film Bases==    


===Polyester===
===Polyester===