I've put this in the 16mm section as I have no experience of emulsion scratches in Super 8,
I have noticed that the problem seems to affect colour films more than B&W. The bulk of my 16mm features are B&W, but only one has an emulsion scratch, which is quite brief, whereas most of the colour prints I have, have this problem.
The other thing I have noticed, not just in my print, but the pictures Tom posted. Although these films are coming from different sources, and even different countries, I have noticed that the emulsion scratch always appears in the same place, about 2/3rds or 3/4ths to the right. I'm wondering where exactly the problem occurs on all these different machines?

i will be interested in any feedback on this thread to Robert. as far as super 8 is concerned if i have bought films with bad emulsion scratches these have always been returned, 16mm is a little different as these are usually one off chance purchases. You are right in that the lines almost always seem to be to the right, always more at the start of a reel. clearly hired out prints are never treated very well by different people and i think its safe to assume many of the people operating the projectors rarely owned the machines so probably hardly ever cleaned the film paths before and after use.

I think so to Tom. It's interesting why the scratch is always on the right.

seized rollers are big culprits

Thanks Clyde.

thats one for sure , i keep an eye on mine both 8 and 16mm machines to make sure these all spin. on the elfs its meant to be petroleum oil,where do you even get this stuff now?

I'll check mine as well now, thanks Tom.

sewing machine oil is also a good alternative Tom and is readily available

I bought two packs of Sewing Machine oil from a chain of stores called Hobbycraft.

I do still have a good halve a bottle of Elmo red projector oil, im too sure if this is a little thick for the rollers though.

I wouldn't take a chance Tom.

Yes, agree, Robert. I always have a small bottle of sewing machine oil. You can buy it from any textile or hobby shop for a couple of quid. It's less viscous and dirty than 3 in 1 etc. Plus I think B&H used to recommend it in the absence of their own branded stuff. Also B&H recommended lighter fuel to clean gate and path which is a superb cleaner.

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hemline-mac...-ml/567061-1000

I have to say, I'd never thought of 3 in 1 as being dirty or particularly thick but for sure mineral oil is a perfect fine very light and thin machine oil to use in such applications.

I haven't bought a tin of 3in 1, I don't think, since I was a teenager, but my memory of it was dirty. Did they put graphite in it?

This was written by a user as a recommendation, so it would appear not Robert.

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