How does the scanner's wet gate drip?

[Daniel D. Teoli Jr.]

Does it get the scanner all wet? Is it hard on the scanner dripping all over?

[Robert Houllahan]

Actual full immersion liquid gates do not "drip" they have a chamber that is completely filled with liquid and the liquid is managed with pumps that push it through the chamber / gate and constantly cycle the liquid through filters. There is a vacuum system that removes the fluid and air knives that dry the film before it is taken up.

[Daniel D. Teoli Jr.]

Thanks Robert.

That is pretty impressive. I guess that is why it is so $$. I don't recall, but I think I read here you gave a price for wet gate equipment and the cost was staggering for the big boy scanners.

What about these somewhat inexpensive scanner's wet gate, like the FilmFabriek? Do they have this same setup where the film gets dry before the take-up reel?

And what sort of chemical are companies using for wet gate? Does it affect archival stability of film? Color? Dye transfer?

Edited February 26, 2022 by Daniel D. Teoli Jr.

[Robert Houllahan]

This is the Xena 16mm Full Immersion liquid gate.

 

[Robert Houllahan]

Inside:

 

[Robert Houllahan]

Here is a pic of the Scannity liquid chamber: