Overview
ISO 3022:1988 - "Cinematography - 35 mm motion‑picture film perforated 16 mm (1‑3‑0) - Cutting and perforating dimensions" - defines the cutting, perforating and slit‑strip dimensions for 35 mm motion‑picture raw stock that carries three rows of 16 mm perforations in positions 1‑3‑0. The standard applies to safety raw stock immediately after cutting and perforating and specifies measurement conditions (film adjusted at 23 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 2 % RH, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Perforation layout and positions: Three rows of 16 mm perforations in the 1‑3‑0 arrangement; the 0 row is intended to be discarded after slitting two 16 mm strips from processed print stock.
- Dimensional tolerances: The standard provides detailed dimensional and tolerance tables for overall film width, margin distances, hole positions and pitches. Example values given include long and short perforation pitches (B = 7.620 mm, B' = 7.605 mm) and 100‑perforation lengths (L = 762.0 mm, L' = 760.5 mm).
- Identification of discard row: The discarded 0 row should be visually identified (ink or round holes). If round holes are used, a 1.0 mm nominal diameter is suggested with a minimum occurrence frequency (e.g., at least every fifth set of perforations).
- Environmental measurement conditions: Dimensions apply when film is conditioned to the specified temperature and humidity; manufacturers may state other nominal conditions.
- Annex guidance:
- Uniformity of pitch, hole size and margin is critical for image steadiness.
- Dimensional stability considerations: film can shrink or swell with temperature, humidity, solvent or plasticizer loss.
- Definition of low‑shrinkage film: shrinkage not exceeding 0.2% under defined handling, processing and storage conditions.
- Guidance on choosing long vs. short longitudinal pitch for printing compatibility.
Applications and users
ISO 3022 is directly applicable to:
- Film manufacturers producing 35 mm raw stock with 16 mm perforations
- Photographic and motion‑picture labs performing cutting, slitting and processing
- Film printers and equipment designers (sprockets, printers, slitting tools) who must accommodate pitch differentials
- Quality control, compliance and archival teams verifying dimensional stability and shrinkage behavior
- Restoration specialists ensuring mechanical compatibility between originals and print stock
Adhering to ISO 3022:1988 helps ensure reliable sprocket engagement, consistent printing registration and predictable dimensional behavior during processing and storage.
Related standards
- ISO 543 - Motion‑picture safety film: definitions, testing and marking (referenced for raw stock specifications).
- ISO 69 - 16 mm film cutting and perforating dimensions (included because 16 mm is commonly used in this format).
Keywords: ISO 3022:1988, 35 mm motion‑picture film, 16 mm perforations, cutting and perforating dimensions, film perforation pitch, low‑shrinkage film, cinematography.
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