Setting Up a Printer

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Many adjustments and variables have to be correctly set on a printing machine before printing.

These are:

1. Control Data
   A printing operator will be provided with information from the Control Department of the laboratory for all the variables for the stock to be used. In small laboratories with limited or no automatic control, the data needs to be extensive. Data can include:
   Filters or Trimmer settings
   Required Lamp voltage
   Diaphragm setting of lenses
2. Grader's information
   The Grader provides all the other data for the specific job and will tell the operator in a small operation:

1. Which printer to use
2. Stock to use
3. Gate and/or mask
4. Machine speed
5. Sound setting
6. Type of cues used
7. Shrinkage adjustments if any
8. Frameline/ racking corrections
9. Image adjustment such as degree of enlargement and alignment for optical printers

Any errors in setting the printing machine will probably make the printed element unusable. If we use the wrong gate or mask then part of the image will be missing or image printed in the wrong place such as the picture printed in the sound area or cause clear frame lines in the picture. Once we are sure that the printing machine is correctly set, we can check the printing elements against the order or grader's instructions.

The things we must check are:

• Film is correct way out; head out if it is to be printed forwards, tail out if it is to be printed backwards.
• - Film is wound emulsion in.
• - Cans contain what is on the label: picture roll in picture can, sound roll in sound can and that it is the same reel number as on the can label.
• - Grading information such as tapes, bands or cards are provided.

The printing operator may be simply provided with a work sheet with all this information or a computer reference that provides access to all the information and may also drive and control the printer cue and light system from networked PC data. Most archive laboratories are dependant on small-scale equipment and require information to be passed on verbally or in writing. Modern film laboratories doing modern film work use computer aided printing to cut down on the errors, but even in large laboratories those departments specialising in archive film restoration are not unlike their archive counterpart.