8mm Forum: Elmo ST1200D questions

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Posted by Tom Johnson (Member # 841) on August 02, 2007, 03:02 AM:

I bought an ST1200D that, with a new lamp and a new set of belts I put in today, now runs and has good sound. A great relief since I bought it "as is." Two issues though that I'd love some help with.

1) it doesn't thread reliably. I can't quite tell where exactly it's catching or jamming, but it'll often pile up under the lens prior to moving over the sound heads. I can't tell if the problem is there or if it's something happening at the final roller before it goes up the channel to the takeup. And it absolutely hates the white leader on one film I tried to run. Had better results with a film with only original leader, but that didn't always go through smoothly either.

2) It's a little jerky coming off the supply reel. (not jerky in projection, just the turning of the reel)

any advice will be greatly appreciated. --Tom

Posted by Gary Crawford (Member # 67) on August 02, 2007, 08:24 AM:

I have one St1200Hd with the same threading fussiness. I found that I have to use the film trimmer and trim it just perfectly ...especially when the film has white leader. Mine takes normal film much more reliably, but it still demands that I trim it carefully. The jerkiness in supply spool...that one has never happened to me. I do know that there are gears attached to that arm that might need cleaning and re-lubricating. Beyond that I can't help you..but I'm sure there are real projector experts on here who may have some better ideas. Good luck.

Posted by Tom Johnson (Member # 841) on August 02, 2007, 01:27 PM:

I found the recent thread of discussion about 1200s and different leader types, so I guess maybe there's nothing more to say on that topic. I'll have a look at the gears associated with the supply reel and see if some lubrication helps. -Tom

Posted by Chip Gelmini (Member # 44) on August 02, 2007, 04:47 PM:

Some of you will cringe when I suggest this, but I stopped using white leader a very long time ago. Even when using the film trimmer accuratly, I just couldn't thread without jams. I have found ugly pink faded prints that are so bad you can't watch them, are perfect for making 3 feet strips for autoloading. Simply attach to your regular countdown, then stop the machine when number 8 is in the top loop. That's about 6 seconds to picture from that point.

As for the film tension, make certain you have proper belts installed. Worn belts, loose clutch, rocking reels, will most certainly add to your pain. Start with the belts and reels first, do not adjust the clutch tension without asking for help from more experienced collectors! These are factory set with precision tools!

Haven't had a jam in a long time.

Chip G

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on August 02, 2007, 06:52 PM:

you can also try threading up at 18fps, then, once the film is through, switch to 24fps. Works for me with some films. [Smile]

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