8mm Forum: EIKI NT Sound Issue

This is topic EIKI NT Sound Issue in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Mike Felling (Member # 2701) on February 02, 2014, 08:09 PM:

Hello all!

I am pretty new to 16mm so forgive me if my technical terms are off. I recently purchased a EIKI NT-0 on eBay. Everything looks in very good shape, and I have ran a few films through it, mostly with no issues. One issue in particular that I noticed when running a copy of The Dudley Do Right Show, where the splices are some run fine.. but others seem to trigger what sounds like a wow/flutter issue? I do notice that when this is happening the roller next to the main sound roller with the red dot, starts jumping like mad, and I'm certain this is whats making this sound issue. What could be the issue?

Thank you all for your time and help!

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on February 03, 2014, 06:16 AM:

The projector has a loop former, this is what you refer to. If the loop is lost due to damaged film, the film touches the roller which rotates once, and in doing so, the loop is automatically reformed.

However, Elf projectors do not like damaged films or films with badly made splices. I suggest you examine the splices in the suspect film and see if they can be re-done.

Posted by Mike Felling (Member # 2701) on February 03, 2014, 06:14 PM:

Thank you Maurice!

Ok, I will check my films shortly for bad splices or damaged portions. If by some chance that these splices are fixed, and the film keeps getting knocked out of the "loop" what would be the issue then? I noticed that it happens way more often with older films that have been through more. I recently purchased a Brady Bunch episode and it seems to be in wonderful shape. Where the splices are.. its countdown leader. Most of that film runs fine. I guess that doesn't always mean that the splices are proper though. I suppose what I am trying to ask is.. is the only cause of being knocked out of "loop" have only to do with bad splices if the film is in good shape? Sorry if I seem dumb about this all, like I said.. this is my first experience with film since grade school. Also, my last question is.. this "loop restorer" arm. I guess I don't understand what its talking about when it says "loop". Thanks for taking time to help a newcomer! Its much appreciated!

Posted by Mike Felling (Member # 2701) on February 03, 2014, 09:36 PM:

Not trying to flood this thread with excess info, but I was checking around in the manual to get a better understanding of how the loop restorer works. I think I understand things a little more, although still probably not fully. I have checked on the splices that don't cause an issue, and the ones that do, and indeed.. there is a quality difference for most. It seems to be the cement splices go through better than the tape? However I have noticed that the manual says my loop restore roller should be setting at the 7:30 position (or about 1/4 over the left screw). Mine was more of a 6:30 - 6:00 position. I didn't touch the screw but gently moved the roller to the correct position. When I did this.. I pushed in where it says to self thread, and the lever/guide stayed in place.. making it much easier to actually thread the film instead of holding that lever/guide in while threading. It does go back to its original position though. It seems logical that the lever/guide would stay engaged while threading the film instead of having to hold it.. making me think my loop restore roller needs adjusting?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on February 04, 2014, 12:43 AM:

If the loop restorer is not set in the correct "starting" position it may get touched by the film even if the loop is the correct size. In this case it will revolve thinking there is a potential lost loop.

Old tape joins are often a problem as they tend to "hinge" as they get old, this then causes the loop to become not a proper curved loop, if you see what I mean.

To adjust the arm's position you will need to open the back and hold the assembly with one hand whilst you reach round and slightly loosing the screw with the other. It is much easier with two people.

A further comment on Elf projectors. They do not like warped film, this can affect the correct size of the loop and cause the film to touch the loop former with expected results.

Posted by Mike Felling (Member # 2701) on February 04, 2014, 04:22 PM:

Thank you once again Maurice!

I now have a better understanding on how the loop restorer mechanism works. I also understand what you mean when you talk about tape splices "hinging". This is most likely the case with those splices I encountered, that were / are causing issues. I am going to adjust the loop restore roller tonight. After I do adjust, my self thread lever/guide should stay in place while threading the film without holding the entire time correct?

Thank you for the additional information on Elf projectors. I did not know this. Fortunately most (if not all) of the film I own, do not have any warping that I have noticed. I did get some I Love Lucy episodes on eBay that had a slight warp, but I had to send them back because they didn't just have mild VS. It was like they were soaked in vinegar concentrate. I didn't even open the package.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on February 05, 2014, 02:33 AM:

The auto-thread lever should hold all the necessary "parts" in position whilst the loading process is in use. The system is finally freed by action of the guide around the second sprocket.

Posted by Mike Felling (Member # 2701) on February 08, 2014, 09:27 AM:

Thank you so much for all the help Maurice! I adjusted the loop restore mechanism and everything is running smoothly now.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on February 08, 2014, 10:10 AM:

That is indeed good news, Mike. I am so glad I was of help.

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