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Topic: The mystery projector

Harry Robinson
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 155
From: Franklin Tennessee
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 02-03-2000 10:23 AM

This is my first post. I am a film handling rookie, so be gentle. Okay, here's the scoop. I just bought a Super Simplex, RCA 1040, 6000 ft. 3D magazines, a tripod pedistool and a Christie H-10 with a 110 single-phase rectifier. I now have to wait until our new house is built before I buy anything else.
Well, a friend of a friend who is a retired projectionist/stage hand came over to orient me to this stuff. He took one look at the Super Simplex and said something was strange. He said it looks to him like part of the internal mechanism is from a later model projector, perhaps an XL. Is this possible?
Question two: The gate on this thing won't lock open because the lens is in the way. I'm using the ancient B&L 4.75" that came on this thing, focusing at about 26 feet. When I slide the lens forward an inch (maybe not quite that far) the gate locks open fine. I intend to use a 50mm for flat and a 2.75" with my scope attachment from 25 feet when the home theater is built. Will these lenses not have to be pulled back so far?
Question three: He couldn't get the Christie to focus. My son (a lighting professional with Varilite Corp.) said it looks to him like the Christie won't align with the Super because of the way it sits in the tripod mount. It sits about a half inch below center. Will building an adaptor for the Christie so that it lines up perfectly with the Super make a big difference?

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Gordon McLeod
Film God

Posts: 9532
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-03-2000 10:33 AM

Put a spacer under the lamphouse to align the optical centre
I assume the "tripod base" you refere to is actually on of the old 3 point/5 point bases
Some supper simplexes had the trap doors from E7's fitted in them to give tem vaiable gate tension and the lens would get in the way

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Martin Frandsen
Master Film Handler

Posts: 270
From: Denmark, Europe
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-03-2000 10:40 AM

Welcome Harry! I cant help you with the Simplex but i am sure by tomorrow at least a dozen people will have posted on this subject to help you

These guys on this forum are the VERY best in the field i am sure they will chime in with answers. I my self am a 'NEWBIE' to the hobby.

While your new house is being buildt i highly recommend you reading from page #1 all the posts that this forum offers, its a 'GOLD MINE' in answers to all sorts of questions.

When finished reading your all most a 'technician' well allmost

Good luck with your project!

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John Walsh
Film God

Posts: 2490
From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way
Registered: Oct 1999

posted 02-03-2000 01:18 PM

I'm guessing, but you probably won't have to move the 2.75" (scope) lens forward to get the gate open. But, you might for the 50mm flat. This is not very unusual, and happens even at 'real' theaters (as opposed to 'short-throw' home theaters.)

If your Simplex has the 5" lens mount, you will need the spacer to adapt the smaller dia lens to the large mount. That spacer usually comes with a shroud, which you might have to cut back to use, or even not be able to use it at all.

I would think that it you should try to get the lamp aligined with the aperture. It seems to be a fairly easy thing to do (to somehow bulid up the lamp mounts the 1/2" or so.) Not only will the lamp be a little brighter, but you will get more even illumantion(?).

You sound pretty mechinal-minded, and also have people used to working with that kind of equipment, so getting longer bolts, spacers, washers, and fiddling with it isn't a problem. I think you will be glad you took the time now to make it right.

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Steve Guttag
We forgot the crackers Gromit!!!

Posts: 12814
From: Annapolis, MD
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 02-03-2000 06:38 PM

Watch out on the 50mm...The Super Simplex (and E-7 for that matter) don't take kindly to short focal length lenses. The front lens support is likely to vignette the image...many people used Magnacoms to get the image out of the projector. This has the advantage that if you can lay your hands on a Magnacom, you only need one prime lens for "Flat" and "Scope."

Steve

------------------
"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"

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Ken Layton
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1452
From: Olympia, Wash. USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 02-03-2000 09:34 PM

LaVezzi made some drive gear/shaft conversions as well as gate/trap conversions, too.

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