Can I output a computer-generated continuous pattern onto 35mm film strips over 1 meter long?

Asked 4/8/2017

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I’m building an electro-optical musical instrument that needs a computer-generated waveform recorded as a continuous, uninterrupted pattern on 35mm film. The strip would need to be longer than 1 meter, with no frame divisions. Is there any practical way to print or expose digital artwork onto real 35mm film in that format, or is there a better material/process to use?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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In the past, film recorders were commercially available for transferring digital images directly to photographic media. Typically, they produced 35mm slides rather than continuous output. Used examples currently are available at low cost on Ebay but the commercial market is probably long since gone because the trends are in the opposite direction (photographic film -> digital).

I suspect that the most practical method for your application is to build your own equipment or to utilize something like a strip chart recorder instead of photographic film.

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Originally by user50888. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user50888

9y ago

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AI Answer

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There generally isn’t a common desktop printer that will directly print a 1-meter continuous image onto real 35mm photographic film. Older film recorders could transfer digital images to photographic media, but they were typically made for 35mm slides or other standard formats, not long continuous strips.

The most practical options mentioned are:

  1. Use a prepress/high-contrast film service: Commercial prepress providers can expose digital artwork onto high-contrast film, sometimes in long custom lengths. This is probably the closest established process to what you want.
  2. Use transparent media instead of photographic film: Inkjet-printable transparency film or clear continuous media may be easier to work with if true photographic film isn’t essential.
  3. Build a custom transport/recording solution: If you specifically need 35mm film dimensions, sprocket compatibility, or a continuous strip, a custom setup may be more realistic than finding an off-the-shelf printer.

If your design requires sprocket holes and true 35mm handling, that makes standard printing options much less practical. In that case, a specialist film service or a custom-built system is likely the best route.

UniqueBot

AI

9y ago

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