I just wondered how scope lenses broadens the width compared to the height: Do they stretch out the image lengthwise or shorten in heightwise? I wonder since I do not have a zoom lens om my 16mm. If it stretches out in the width I will have to place the projector closer to the screen which is impractical due to the layout of the room. If it shortens the height it will be no problem.

I need to move closer, it stretches (2:1?)

The image height remains the same. Its only the width that stretches.

Is it two to one, David?

Ok. Thanks!

It varies sometimes. However in general it should be for example this from the same projection distance.
If your image width on Flat is say 5 feet .On Scope it would become 10 feet wide.
However on 8mm when you project in Scope the aspect ratio is usually 2.66 : 1.
due to print reductions not being true Scope you actually get some cropping top and bottom even
though the screen image height remains the same.
The only way you get a true CinemaScope frame image without cropping is on those 8mm Animex/Cineavision
prints which gives you an accurate reduction of 2.35 : 1.
However due to this reduction there are black vertical bars on the left and right hand side of the screen image.
Don't worry about this anyway as I say most prints released 2.66: 1 are slightly cropped top and bottom which is why you
cant get those letters and writing on the screen. Some shots are slightly spoiled by having the tops of heads slightly
cropped too. So you do lose some information and detail that was on the 35mm original anamorphic frame.

Thanks for a detailed description. I have considered a few times buying a scope print, but I haven't invested in a scope lens yet. And it will be some hassle moving the projector so much closer. It will be a lot easier on Super 8 where I have a zoom lens.

If you are projecting an image that is not at least twice the width and having to zoom down your lens
or move your projector closer to the screen to get it to fit you are really defeating the purpose of Scope.
This is in effect a form of " letterboxing" the film.

Its simple just use a wider screen. You can just leave the Zoom lens setting the same.
All you will have to do is refocus a bit. The problem though is that there is always some light loss
on the screen due to having to stretch the light output.
This happens on all gauges even in the cinema.

It´s great to have a professional projectionist on the forum, to explain to us amateurs.

The problem is that the screen is fitted to the roof. I would need an other screen to get anything wider. I know the purpose of the standard. But I have never looked for scopes as such, but a couple of times I have seen films I want that happen to be scope. I guess I will wait for now. Thanks for all the explanations, David! Now I have learned what I need to know!