scratchy camera, projector, or lab?

[grainy]

Hi everyone - I'm posting this on a new thread so it doesn't get lost -- I can't offer advice, I need it!

I've noticed a black scratch about 3/4 of the way to the right of my images using one of my cameras.
I thought I cleaned the gate pretty well (but I was just using a children's toothbrush like the Pro8 guy shows on his video), and

I also tried to clean the projector gate but it's pretty tough to get in there. Just realized it could also be a spot on the rewind guide... I'll see about checking that..

I suppose it's possible it's the lab (alpha) but doesn't seem likely because 1)they're serious and 2) it's been 8 months between reels and someone would've complained by now.

So! Here are my questions:
1 - any tips on finding the problem areas in camera and especially projector? I hardly know what to look for and I am not good with my hands.
1 - can Filmguard help this and where can I get the stuff? A camera shop or is it a specialty item?


thanks much
Grainy

[woods01]

Sounds like you're doing some good preventative measures. The pros are usually able to fix scratched film
like this with a wetgate. Does this scratch come and go through out the reel? Or is it through the whole reel
and in the exact same spot?

If you notice a scratch while projecting I'd recommend you stop the projector immediately and then use a film loup to
inspect the film coming off the reel so you can determine if its your projector or not.

I use some old unexposed Kodachrome that I removed from the cartridge and loaded onto a reel. I'll run that
through a projector when I'm suspicious of a scratch or have some important film that I want to try to
protect. I run a couple feet then break it off and inspect for scratches. I'll also do the same with a few
feet of film loaded into a Kaccema cartridge and check for scratches from the film gate. Ultimately
the best way to determine if its the camera is to shoot another roll of film

I've had film from Alphacine have the odd annoying vertical scratch, but it always come and goes and its
usually only one roll in a batch so its more likely the camera or even a stay fragment in the cartridge.
If its consistent through the whole roll I'd suspect its the projector or lab.

I try to keep the gate and film compartment clean but its a fact of life that you'll get the odd scratch.

[grainy]

Sounds like you're doing some good preventative measures. The pros are usually able to fix scratched film
like this with a wetgate. Does this scratch come and go through out the reel? Or is it through the whole reel
and in the exact same spot?
If you notice a scratch while projecting I'd recommend you stop the projector immediately and then use a film loup to
inspect the film coming off the reel so you can determine if its your projector or not.

I try to keep the gate and film compartment clean but its a fact of life that you'll get the odd scratch.

Thanks woods - I'll try pullin the film from the projector. I used a different camera to shoot a few rolls recently and when they come back, if the scratch is in the same spot I figure that rules out the camera. The thing I wonder about the projector is I dont' think other rolls, which I continue to put through the projector, are getting scratched. I'll be on the lookout next time either way.
Yeah, I've generally (lately) had great results from Alpha but historically they used to be a bit slippery (I use Forde before they merged). I'll mention it when I bring my rolls in and see if it lights a fire under them. I love having a lab in town so I'm rooting for them til the end.
And yes, scratching is part of life on film. This one seems pretty persistant - at least with the one camera so far, so I'm hoping to remove the source.
thanks!!
G