8mm Forum: Elmo ST-800 Rewind Problem

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Posted by Roger Shunk (Member # 2836) on February 01, 2012, 12:27 PM:

Hello,
I'm having a rewind problem with my Elmo ST-800 projector. When I rewind a film now and it get's down to the very end right before the leader it completely stops, and I have to rewind the last bit of film by hand by turning the reel? I had replaced both belts a month ago and it was rewinding fine and it has never done this before until now?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Roger

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 01, 2012, 12:43 PM:

I had this exact problem. This will sound strange, but it may be the takeup reel you are using.

The ST-800 was designed to use the Elmo 800 foot reel for takeup. It has a large center hub (4 inches in diameter, maybe?)

When other smaller-hubbed reels are used, during rewind that rear spindle is forced to spin faster and the torque required on the front spindle is higher. As the rewound film piles up that required torque multiplies until the front spindle's clutch slips and it grinds to a halt.

I figured this out by accident, only after I bought a film longer than 400 feet and had to fork it over for the larger takeup reel! All of a sudden rewind worked perfectly and it made sense!

Gepe still makes almost an exact copy of this reel:

Momentcatcher has two left in stock. Look for "GEPE 800 ft. Super 8 Reel & Vented Chest Archival Set":

Momentcatcher

B&H also sells them, in multiples of TEN!

Anybody else sell Gepes in the US of A?

Posted by Roger Shunk (Member # 2836) on February 01, 2012, 01:04 PM:

Yeah Steve it does sound strange but you are absolutely right!
I have the 800FT Elmo Reel and I just ran a film with it and it rewound just fine. I had used a 400FT reel for a 400 FT film and that was the problem like you said! From now on I will always use the Elmo 800 FT Reel.

Thanks for your help your the best! [Smile]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 01, 2012, 01:16 PM:

Precision engineered machines usually malfunction in the exact same way!

Posted by frank arnstein (Member # 330) on February 04, 2012, 01:56 AM:

Hi Steve and Roger,

Thats a good tip Steve but if you don't wan't to use an 800ft reel with a large hub for taking up film, you can try increasing the spring pressure to the rewind clutch. You need a tiny allen key to loosen the clutch spring collar then retighten it after moving the collar inwards. In theory, it should then be able rewind 400' or 600' reels without stopping near the end. Its worth a try.

dogtor frankarnstein
[Wink]

[ February 04, 2012, 06:16 AM: Message edited by: frank arnstein ]

Posted by Roger Shunk (Member # 2836) on February 04, 2012, 10:04 AM:

Hi Frank,
Thanks for the tip buddy!
Regards,
Roger [Smile]

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