Projection Screens for film: What's good?

[Rob-F]

Projecting slides in a dedicated theater-like environment is one of my passions. I won't be projecting digital, since we are very happy with our 50" Panasonic Plasma. Right now I use a curved screen made from foam-core board, painted with a premium white paint. But I have in mind to try a commercially manufactured screen, and I want a good one. Offerings by Silver Ticket and Elite look interesting. I'm also aware of Stewart screens, which are higher in price, and after a few minutes on Google, some say they are worth it.

But these screens are intended for digital projection, and I'm using film. I'm assuming that a plain matte white screen should do fine for my needs. I see that there are also screens offered in gray rather than white, with the claim that they improve contrast. I guess they do that by making the blacks blacker, at the expense of the highlights. Not so sure that's a good idea for film.

So my decision points are, first, white vs. gray. Second, Silver Ticket vs. Elite vs. Stewart.

Any opinions on this?

My screen size is 4 feet by 8 feet (48 x 96").

 

[Ronald M]

Do not spend money.

Lenticular are designed for wide angle viewing. Downside is loss of definition and brightness.

Glass bead are very bright and not sharp.

top two may no longer be made.

Matt white are best. Medium bright with full sharpness.

Why is your screen curved? This puts the edges out of focus
unless you did not bother to glass mount or you used a curved field lens on a flat slide. You must match flat field lens to flat or glass slide or cardboard slide to curved field lens or the edges will be soft.

Da Lite are the best.

Project straight and level to center screen. Floor stand screens have ability to tilt down some so a tall projector stand is nor required for straight and level, or they used to.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...21_Picture_King_Portable.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y

 

[Rob-F]

I agree matte white is best. However there are special screen surfaces that I believe will give a more brilliant image. Not glass beads or lenticular, but a smooth flat surface.

I curved the screen for dramatic effect. I like it, but yes the picture would be sharper on a flat screen, and I plan to make that change. Although one advantage of a curved screen is better light distribution from the sides.

My projectors are set up on permanent risers at the optimum height and centering to control keystoning and distortion . (I learned all this by being the son of a movie theater executive!)

What I don't know is who makes the best screen surfaces for projection of slides. Surely there must be something better than my white paint on foam core board! But what could it be? Silver Ticket? Elite? Stewart? Something else?

I think some of the ones I'm mentioning are textured, which I think would be best to avoid. My viewing area isn't that wide. I could stretch some white vinyl over a wood frame, no problem. But I'm feeling ready for something more professional in nature.

Thanks for any additional comments!

 

[Rob-F]

Why is your screen curved? This puts the edges out of focus
unless you did not bother to glass mount or you used a curved field lens on a flat slide. You must match flat field lens to flat or glass slide or cardboard slide to curved field lens or the edges will be soft.

Da Lite are the best.

I don't think that's quite right. I think that when the slide "pops" it curves in the opposite direction from what would be needed to hold a curved screen in focus.

I will check out Da-Lite, thanks!