Magazine Modification

400' magazines allow 10 minutes of continuous shooting without changing film. With this addition the ACL became a viable choice for the adult film industry.

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 have the track-side support reduced from the current 2.8mm down to 0.7mm. Some rollers were made of brass and then Hard Chrome plated, and possibly anodized. If existing rollers are modified, then these same finishings should be applied. (Many rollers will have had some of their original coatings worn off from years of use, so that it is a good idea to restore them to their original condition in any event). If new rollers are to be manufactured by a machine shop, it may be easiest just to use stainless steel.

The Guide Shoes (MIN 363E) that lock the film into the sprocket drive on the take-up side should not require modification, as the stainless steel rings on either end do not extend into HD S-16 picture area.

Modification of the pressure plate is not recommended if no filmbase 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 (R-16 and S-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. And 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. Further, 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.