8mm Forum: EIKI SL-0 16mm Projector Question

This is topic EIKI SL-0 16mm Projector Question - Help in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Chuck Chavdarian (Member # 5504) on August 20, 2016, 12:09 AM:

I recently obtained this Eiki SL-0 16mm projector (with single sprocket gears), and it worked great with a couple of 16mm single sprocket films. But when I placed an older double sprocket 16mm film in it, turned on the projector and started advancing the film (playing it - that is I turned the dial to FORWARD), the projector quickly stopped advancing the film - it was as if it stalled out. It would not advance the film. Why would this be an issue? I tried this with two different double sprocket films, and the same thing happened. When I went back to a the single sprocket film, the projector played it without a problem. So, clearly there is an issue with old double (twin) sprocket films.

Can someone explain this? Is this a common issue with projectors like the EIKI which have single 16mm gears? Why would a double sprocket film still not advance within it? Is this common knowledge, and has been thoroughly discussed here? If so, I apologize for my ignorance. Your help would be much appreciated.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 21, 2016, 04:06 AM:

Chuck

You say that your projector is an Eiki SL-0, however there does not appear to be such a model. The nearest models are an SSL-0L and an SSL-0.

However that is not really relevant. It is quite possible that the double perforated films are very old, either commercial films or old home movies. Bad storage may have caused them to shrink and or warp and as such the claw or the top sprocket may have trouble transporting the films.

The Eiki Slimlines feature automatic "Film Guard" which in the event of losing the upper loop will automatically stop the projector until the loops are reformed.

I cannot think of any other possible explanation of your problem as you say single perforation films (I assume sound films) run OK.

Place a problem film over a good one and see if the perforations line up. You may learn something from doing this.

Posted by Chuck Chavdarian (Member # 5504) on August 21, 2016, 01:46 PM:

Hi Maurice and All:

First of all, I also posted this issue at 16mmFilmtalk.com where I received some good thoughts/suggestions.

Second, I did solve the problem and will come back to that below.

Third - Maurice, there is indeed such a model - the SL-0. I have it. If you check around you will see that it exists. The SSL series is the super slimline slotload. The SL-0 is not a slimline model - trust me, it is bulkier. It is not the same as the SSL-1.

Finally, if you go to 16mmFilmtalk.com you'll see my thread and how I finally solved the issue. I agree that these double sprocket films are very old. To be brief, I found that if I took up the slack before the old double-sprocket film first enters the projector, I can get the film to better engage the first single sprocket gear. As a result, the film did run properly when I started the projector. Problem solved.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 21, 2016, 02:15 PM:

Always good to hear of a happy ending. Well done.

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