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Abstract

A magnetic read/write head suspension assembly for achieving high magnetic head compliance with at least one edge track of the MOF layer of relatively stiff photographic filmstrips particularly during photofinishing operations. The filmstrip has an emulsion layer side opposite to the MOF layer side and exhibits a positive cross-film curvature toward the emulsion side when unrestrained. Filmstrip edge guides including parallel angled channels extending in a film transport path receive the filmstrip edge regions. One or more magnetic read/write head is mounted in the edge guides with the magnetic head gap length oriented in alignment with the angle of the MOF layer of the filmstrip edge region received in the channel and makes compliant line contact of the magnetic head gap with the MOF layer side in the edge region without imparting drag on the central region of the filmstrip. A backing support member formed of an elastic, deformable reed-shaped backing member trapped in a cavity of the edge guide is thereby biased in relation to the magnetic read/write head to make contact with the emulsion layer side of the filmstrip edge region. Channel angles of a positive 20.degree. to 40.degree. transverse to the direction of film transport plane of the filmstrip may be provided to receive an unrestrained filmstrip exhibiting normal, positive cross-film curvature. Alternatively, the filmstrip may be restrained to exhibit a negative cross-film curvature and directed into channels angled at a negative 3.degree. to 7.degree.. In this case, the backing support may be unnecessary.

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