ISO 3023:1995

Overview

ISO 3023:1995 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifying the cutting and perforating dimensions for unexposed 65 mm and 70 mm motion-picture film. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition from 1988, providing a technical revision tailored for safety raw stock film. The standard ensures consistent dimensional accuracy crucial for the production and handling of large-format film stock used in cinematography.

By standardizing dimensions such as film width, perforation size, and spacing, ISO 3023:1995 supports high-quality film processing, printing, and projection, maintaining compatibility across global film manufacturing and equipment industries. The document includes metric measurements as well as imperial units for international applicability and references ISO 543 for safety film specifications.

Key Topics

• Scope: Defines precise cutting and perforating dimensions applicable to unexposed 65 mm and 70 mm safety raw stock film to promote uniform standards worldwide.

• Applicable Film Types: Primarily for safety raw stock motion-picture film compliant with ISO 543, covering unexposed 65 mm negative film (generally not projector film) and 70 mm film.

• Dimensional Tolerances: Provides tight tolerances for film width, hole size, and perforation pitch to ensure image steadiness and mechanical compatibility during processing and projection.

• Longitudinal Perforation Pitch: Details the choice between long pitch (B) and short pitch (B’) to accommodate continuous sprocket contact printing technology, critical for film transport reliability in printing and projection.

• Environmental Conditions: Measurement and tolerance standards are based on specific temperature (23°C ±1°C) and relative humidity (50% ±2%) conditions to ensure dimensional stability.

• Low-Shrinkage Film Considerations: Defines low-shrinkage film characteristics and adjustments in perforation pitch to offset dimensional changes during film processing, ageing, and handling.

Practical Applications

• Film Manufacturing: Film producers utilize ISO 3023:1995 to precisely cut and perforate large-format film stock, ensuring standardized dimensions that support consistent quality and cross-vendor compatibility.

• Post-Production Facilities: Laboratories and post-production houses rely on these specifications for handling raw 65 mm and 70 mm film stock, minimizing film damage and optimizing image steadiness during developing and printing.

• Projection Equipment Design: Equipment manufacturers design film projectors and printers compatible with the standardized dimensions for smooth transport and reduced mechanical wear.

• Archival and Preservation: Archives and restoration professionals benefit from uniform film dimensions for proper storage and preservation of large-format originals.

• International Trade and Compliance: The standard facilitates global trade by providing harmonized specifications, reducing disputes or compatibility issues between different manufacturers and countries.

Related Standards

• ISO 543:1990 – Photography - Photographic Films - Specifications for Safety Film: Defines safety film raw stock properties referenced by ISO 3023 for applicable film types and quality.

• ISO/TC 36 Cinematography – The technical committee responsible for cinematography-related standards including motion-picture film dimensions and practices.

• IEC Standards on Electrotechnical Equipment – ISO collaborates with the IEC, ensuring equipment compatibility where electromechanical interactions with film stock are concerned.

Keywords

Cinematography standard, 65 mm film dimensions, 70 mm film perforation, motion-picture film cutting, safety raw stock film, ISO 3023, film manufacturing standard, motion-picture film specifications, film perforation pitch, low-shrinkage film, large-format film, film equipment compatibility.

ISO 3023:1995 delivers industry-aligned, precise parameters for unexposed large-format film stock, supporting consistency and quality across the motion-picture production chain from manufacturing to projection. Its adoption is critical for professionals involved in film production, processing, and equipment design seeking to meet international standards for 65 mm and 70 mm motion-picture film.