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By Graham Jones, Sydney Technical Services Manager (Film).

FOR 16MM:

  1. You will need to workout how much film will be needed, how many speeds you will run at say 24/25, 50,75 and then high speeds such as 100, 125,150. For each speed you should run between 10 to 20 feet.
  2. Set up the camera on a tripod or bench or even the floor, the Century unit is not affected by movement as the tester and camera are one.
  3. Once the camera is loaded with film and timecode (if being used) ID the first run. NOTE: Turn the tester 180 degrees so the markings are away from you , this will become apparent latter.
  4. Attach the steady tester, turn it on and check through the viewfinder that the grid pattern is square with the frame lines.
  5. Check the camera speed to the ASA on the tester is correct.
  6. You are ready to start- make sure the eyepiece is closed or blacked out and tester is switched on.
  7. Run the camera for the entire length (say 60 ft) at a base speed of 25 fps. Use more film if more speeds are needed.
  8. Unload magazine, rewind the film and reload.
  9. Almost ready to start again but you must rotate the tester back 180 degrees so the markings are now towards you.
  10. Again check that the grid lines are square to the frame lines.
  11. ### Done this way you will have a neat pattern of squares to look at when projected or on the telecine .
  12. Turn the unit on and run the camera again at your first speed of 25 fps. After 10-20 feet, stop the camera so you can ID a speed change (eg. 50 fps).
  13. Adjust the speed to ASA on the tester and shoot your next speed , repeat the process over until all desired speeds are done.
  14. Congratulations you have almost finished , just unload the magazine take it to the lab.

HINT: to remove any errors do not have a work print done just ask for a " process only " on the steadytest as this removes any possible questions.

FOR 35MM:

  • You will need to mark at least the first 6 frames of film with a marker pen to allow you align the frames correctly on the second pass.
  • This needs to be don't through the lens port and camera inched by hand.
  • On the second pass the frame can be aligned correctly.
  • Other than this it is the same procedure.
  • When viewing tests ask to see the top or bottom frame line, this can also be an indicator if movement is detected.