8mm Forum: Elf not holding focus

This is topic Elf not holding focus in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000531

Posted by Den Brown (Member # 819) on January 27, 2010, 04:41 PM:

My Elf NT2 is not holding focus. Goes soft every one or two hundred feet after re-focusing.

Is the focus knob slipping somehow? Not keeping the set position in the lens barrel thread?

Should this thread be lubricated for a tighter fit or completely dry?

Posted by David Erskine (Member # 1244) on January 27, 2010, 05:21 PM:

You probably need to replace the little rubber thingy on the focussing knob spindle - try that! I use either a)brake fluid piping or b)aquarium tubing or c)[which I haven't tried yet] a chap today suggested using electric cable of the right thickness with the wire withdrawn! Cheers, David E
P.S The proper answer is the proper Elf spare part - but where from?

Posted by Hugh McCullough (Member # 696) on January 27, 2010, 06:31 PM:

I have tried both the aquarium air tubing, and the brake fluid tubing ideas that David mentions.
Both seem to work without any trouble.

I tried the electrical cable idea and found that when the wires were taken out the rubber/plastic insulation tends to form into a triangle shape. This makes it very hard to get focus in the first place let alone keep it.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on January 28, 2010, 11:44 AM:

After many years of trying to find the perfect replacement tubing for Elf/Eiki focus knobs, I followed up a tip from someone and obtained a stock of a particular type of windscreen wiper tubing! It's excellent and will probably last far longer than the awful stuff that Eiki persisted in using. I can look up the info for anyone that wants it - or anyone can save time and money by sending me £1 + a SAE. I'll then send enough for at least 5 projectors. Money refunded if not delighted! Email me via here for my address.

[ January 29, 2010, 08:50 AM: Message edited by: Adrian Winchester ]

Posted by Paul Spinks (Member # 573) on January 28, 2010, 11:58 PM:

I used plastic fuel lines for model aircraft, however I have been told that PTFE tape wound round the focus knob is also quite effective.

Posted by frank arnstein (Member # 330) on January 29, 2010, 05:01 AM:

I agree with Adrian on Windscreen washer rubber tubing.
Available at most Auto Parts dealers. Theres a few different sizes so make sure it will fit Ok. I have used this tubing for a long time with no problems. I super Glue the rubber to the adjustment spindle to ensure it doesn;t slip when turning the knob.

Dogtor Frankarnstein [Razz]

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on January 29, 2010, 01:22 PM:

Yeah, I use windscreen washer tubing - it's ideal. Available in the UK from any Halfords branch - just ask for their cine dept.
[Wink]

[ January 29, 2010, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: Michael O'Regan ]

Posted by Den Brown (Member # 819) on January 29, 2010, 06:22 PM:

Adrian,

How do I e-mail you? It is not possible to send you a message via PM.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on January 30, 2010, 07:19 AM:

Den,
Just saw your message. Must have been a temporary problem, and I've just unsuccessfully tried to send you a PM!

You can email me via: adrianw_8-16 at tiscali dot co dot uk

Posted by Edwin van Eck (Member # 4690) on March 14, 2016, 06:25 AM:

Hi,

We have this part now ready (using 3D printing techniques):

EIKI focus knob shaft canister SL ST RT - PP-0100 (new)

EIKI focus knob shaft canister - PP-0100 (new)

On most EIKI 16mm projectors the original canister is broken and need replacement.

Fits among others the following projectors:
- EIKI SL series
- EIKI ST series
- EIKI RT series

This part clamps firmly onto the focus knob shaft.

Manufactured with 3D printing techniques.

Weight: 1 gram.
Size: 15 x 8 mm

Design by 3dformadesign.nl
Made in the Netherlands

Link to webshop: http://shop.van-eck.net/PP-0100.html?_globalsearch=pp-0100

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on March 14, 2016, 09:30 AM:

Den You can still also buy the complete focus knob new to replace, but I have been using coaxial cable outer for years (TV aerial cable) usually about 40pence per mtr.
Happy days!

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on March 14, 2016, 07:30 PM:

It was suggested to me to use masking tape by wrapping it very tightly around the part until it was the right thickness. And it worked.
It was the first and only time I've had to do that and it was a little bit scary but I told myself that I can do it....and I could [Smile]

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on March 15, 2016, 05:19 PM:

Well done [Smile]

My crowning Elf moment was to discover they will run on discarded RAF fighter jet belts. I'm only waiting for it to lift off now!

Posted by Jose Artiles (Member # 471) on March 22, 2016, 07:02 AM:

Edwin you have a private message.

Posted by Jose Artiles (Member # 471) on March 28, 2016, 06:45 PM:

Well,after test the part on my own eiki RT-1 i must say its a wonderful part that do the job excellent.After 2:30 hours of continuosly projection of the film "Braveheart" the film stay in focus all the way without need of adjustment,buy this part and all your focus troubles on the eiki will disappear.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2