the claw-side rail at the point of image exposure to assure maximum
lateral stability.
This unique, straight forward mechanism design results in horizon-
tal and lateral film registration that is superior to all other 16mm ca-
mera movements with an accuracy of 1/2000 of the image dimen-
sions.
4.2 The Hair-Free Gate
In most 16mm camera designs, there is a certain amount of film
dust (also referred to as fluff or hair) that is generated as film rolls
through the magazine and enters the camera gate. Because the gate
and pulldown are the areas where the film must be held most rigidly,
these are also the areas where most of the accumulating film dust
tends to be deposited. The result could be a visible hair in the pictu-
re area and an unuseable shot.
Aaton has taken steps in the design of their magazines and gate as-
sembly to ensure hair and dust-free images. The Aaton magazine
features a twistless film path with little sprocket contact, which mi-
nimizes the amount of film dust that builds up before entry into the
aperture area.
4.3 Cleaning the Gate
In order to avoid film dust buildup in the recessed channels of the
gate, the gate should be inspected during magazine changes and
cleaned every three to four mags if the shooting schedule permits.
Refer to the Cleaning chapter for more detailed information.
2.5 FLANGE FOCAL DISTANCE ADJUST-
MENT
2.5.1 Concept
For a few years now, Aaton has inserted a spacer between the lens
port and the camera body. This thin (0.3mm) metallic ring is res-
ponsible for the precise distance between the lens port seat and the
film plane called the flange focal distance (FFD), and therefore it is
29
THE CAMERA BODY