Split reel

A 35mm split reel. This photo shows the two halves of the split reel, with a core holding a small amount of 35mm film on the half on the left.

A split reel is used when handling film stored on a core. In exhibition settings, they are used to transfer film from storage on cores to show reels for projection. They exist for all film gauges.

Split reels are not suitable for projection. The two halves of a split reel are only held together by the threaded spindle in the center of the reel, and they can easily loosen and separate if used on a projector, leading to catastrophic film damage.

It is also advised that you pay attention to the orientation of the split reel halves, so that when it is placed on a rewind spindle it is not rotating in a direction that will separate them. This is unlikely to happen when rewinding film at a reasonable speed, but better safe than sorry.

Resources

• Split reels can be purchased from Goldberg Brothers through an authorized distributor like your cinema service company or one of the below cinema supply companies.
  • Urbanski Film
  • Christys

See also

• Reels
• Core