HP 400 -- Imation's New Advanced Technology ISO 400 Speed Color Print Film

Photo Color Systems has recently introduced to the marketplace, its new HP 400 color print film. The HP 400 is a high speed, advanced technology daylight-balanced film with a nominal speed rating of ISO 400. This new film will yield excellent results in a wide variety of shooting conditions and situations, in both compact and SLR cameras.

HP 400 is a high performance, high precision film incorporating new and improved emulsion technologies. These improvements will give amateur photographers superb detail and rich colors in a wide range of conditions, including low light and flash photography.

The optimized spectral sensitivity of this film will provide improved performance in both natural and artificial lighting conditions. Whether working with tungsten or fluorescent lights indoors, or sunny or cloudy conditions outdoors, photographers can expect rich, true-to-life colors in their photographs.

The HP 400 formulation also uses new manufacturing technologies, which include the addition of biodegradable surfactants and the reduction of solvents, to substantially reduce the effects on the environment. This kind of concern for our environment has long been important to Photo Color Systems.

If you would like to access technical information for this film, as well as Imation's other fine films and single-use HP400 cameras, visit Imation Photo Color Systems. A fax-on-demand version of the technical data sheet for this film is available at our site.

 
Aperion True Balance 2 Printer Control Negatives for New HP400 Film

In October, Photo Color Systems and Aperion jointly mailed out over 7,000 Aperion True Balance 2 printer balancing sets to photofinishing labs throughout the United States and Canada for the new HP 400 color print film. If you have not received a set and would like one, please call our Technical Service Helpline at 800/233-8579 to request a set. The printer balancing set will be forwarded to you as soon as possible at no charge.

 
Photo Color Systems Introduces New Scotch Brand Color Print Film Packaging

Photo Color Systems of Imation Corp. has just introduced a new line of packaging for the Scotch Brand color print films. This new packaging reflects Imation's global strategies and Photo Color's commitment to emerging imaging technologies. Let us know what you think of this new design.

 
New Technical Data Brochures

Photo Color Systems of Imation Corp. has just published new technical data brochures for its line of color print films including ATG 100, ATG 200 and HP 400 films. The brochures contain information concerning the general properties of the films, including exposure and image characteristics, exposure recommendations, storage recommendations etc., as well as sensitometric, spectral sensitivity, MTF and spectral dye density curves. If you would like a copy of one or all of these brochures, please call our Technical Service Helpline at: 800/233-8579.

 
SYSTEM 800: Faster Single-Use Cameras from Imation Scotch™ Photo Color Systems

Photo Color Systems has just introduced the next generation of single-use cameras. Called "System 800", the new Imation Scotch™ model adds the equivalent of one more stop in exposure latitude. System 800 film is designed specifically to complement the exposure system in Imation's single-use cameras. The film and camera combination can practically eliminate underexposures, which is the most frequently expressed consumer concern about single-use cameras.

System 800 will provide excellent prints with good detail and color whether shot in deep shade or in bright sunlight. Consumers can be assured of acceptable prints even when the film is underexposed by up to two stops. Enhanced tonal linearity will mean superb detail in both highlights and shadows. In addition, the System 800 will provide a rich color range in flash pictures, with a flash capable of illumination a distance of up to 14 feet.

System 800 will be available only in single-use cameras from Imation. All components of the system -- including the film, single-use camera cassettes, Imation Scotch™ packaging and private label packaging -- will carry the System 800 identification.

 
Your Question Answered

On occasion, I have customers which have had a roll of film automatically rewind in their camera before the entire roll has been exposed. What is the cause?

The premature rewinding of film in an auto-rewind camera can take place due to a number of circumstances, the most common of which is low battery power. Imation, as well as other organizations in the photo-graphic industry, have conducted many studies on the premature rewind of film and all have found low battery power to be the major cause.

All batteries; AAA, AA, 9V, alkaline, lithium, etc., have specific voltage output ratings. The AAA and AA batteries, for example, are rated at 1.5 volts. When new, the actual voltage output of these batteries is approximately 7% to 10% higher than the rating, (1.6V to 1.65V, respectively, in our example). As the battery is used, the voltage output slowly drops. It is when this output falls more than 10% below the rated voltage that premature rewind problems can develop. At approximately 17% to 20% under the voltage rating, the batteries will no longer supply sufficient power for the camera to operate.

If you have a customer who has experienced premature rewind with their camera, it is recommended that a new set of batteries be installed in the camera. The existing batteries may be tested for voltage output to verify that they do indeed need replacement. However, the batteries should be tested with a voltmeter which displays the actual voltage rather than a "good" or "no good" scale. Many of these simple battery testers will indicate that the battery may still be good when the voltage is at outputs of lower than 10% under the voltage rating.

The next most common cause of premature rewind is the improper loading of the film. The auto-rewind systems employed in the camera function by what is termed "pull out force", that is, how much force is required for the camera motor to pull the film out of the cartridge during film advance. If the film is improperly loaded, the force needed to pull the film out of the cartridge will exceed the normal tolerances for this process and the camera will rewind the film. Your customers should be advised, that when loading film in their cameras, it is very important that the film is aligned in the camera properly. It is also very important that a sufficient amount of film is pulled from the cartridge to facilitate loading and that the film cartridge is seated properly in the camera. Refer to the camera's manual for specific loading instructions. Following these procedures will eliminate premature rewind due to misaligned/misloaded film.

It is also possible that the cartridge lips (the two felt covered edges from which the film exits the cartridge) were damaged by the consumer or the manufacturer. This places tension on the film surfaces which increases the pull out force required to advance the film beyond normal tolerances and the camera will rewind the film. Although this rarely occurs, is nonetheless a possibility.

Finally, it is recommended that the surfaces on which the film travels in the camera be cleaned on a regular basis. As dirt or other debris builds up on these surfaces, tension on the film may increase causing premature rewind and/or film scratching.

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