ISO 1700:1988

Overview

ISO 1700:1988 specifies the cutting and perforating dimensions for 8 mm Type S motion-picture raw stock film. The standard defines the dimensional tolerances and inspection context for safety-base film immediately after cutting and perforation. It is intended for manufacturers, lab technicians and equipment designers concerned with consistent film feed, image stability and interchangeability in cinematographic workflows.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: Establishes required cutting and perforating dimensions for 8 mm Type S raw stock film. Applies to safety-base film as defined in ISO 543.
• Dimensions and tolerances: The standard provides a table of nominal dimensions and permissible tolerances that apply immediately after cutting and perforating. These are the reference values for production and quality control.
• Inspection conditions: Where dimensional precision is critical, the manufacturer should specify the atmospheric conditions (temperature and humidity) used during dimensional controls at the time of cutting and perforation.
• Annex guidance (informative):
  • Perforation uniformity: Uniformity of pitch, margin and hole geometry across consecutive perforations is essential for image stability. Local variations between adjacent perforations have the greatest effect.
  • Dimensional stability: Film can shrink or expand with temperature, humidity, or loss of solvents/plasticizers. Such changes are often uniform along a roll but must be considered in equipment design.
  • Low-shrink film: The standard includes a definition for low-shrink film (maximum 0.2% shrinkage under specified conditioning and processing cycles).
  • Humidity influence: High relative humidity tends to elongate film; this should be accounted for in handling and equipment design.

Applications

ISO 1700:1988 is valuable for:

• Film manufacturers producing 8 mm Type S raw stock who need to meet international dimensional standards.
• Quality control and inspection labs verifying cutting and perforating tolerances.
• Motion-picture equipment designers (cutters, perforators, transport mechanisms) requiring consistent feed and registration.
• Archivists and restoration professionals assessing dimensional stability and shrinkage characteristics.

Benefits include improved transport reliability, reduced image registration errors, and clearer procurement/specification language between suppliers and users.

Related Standards

• ISO 543 - Cinematography - Safety film: definitions, testing and marking (referenced by ISO 1700:1988).

For implementation, users should consult the dimensional tables and the informative annex in ISO 1700:1988, and coordinate with film manufacturers to confirm inspection atmosphere and product shrinkage characteristics.