Perhaps the designers of such stuff should spend time working in a movie theater running the equipment. I bet we'd see tons of design improvements then!

Joe--the 1998-vintage Simplexes that I've been working with lately don't leak very much at all. Perhaps your seals need to be replaced?

Isn't the oil circulation system the primary selling point of the Simplex design, anyway? I mean, if they took that advantage away, wouldn't everyone just buy Centurys instead, since they're generally (IMHO) easier to thread and replace parts on than Simplexes.

Speaking from a design standpoint...the Simplex is a vastly superior machine. If properly kept in oil, virtually nothing in the gear case ever needs replacing. On average, given the same level of compentency, a Simplex will out last a Century almost 10:1 in terms of part replacement.

None of this should take away from the fact that a Century _CAN_ provide excellent and long-term reliability. But if you want to look at sheer design, there isn't much comparision, Simplex is the clear winner.

As to the leaking...they CAN be made to not leak and STRONG has taken many steps towards that end (some a bit too far in my opinion). We have some that have been in service for years and not a drop comes out. Personally, I don't find it such a big deal as others seem to.

Steve

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Kinoton also recommends their own oil. I assume this is standard with any projector that uses oil. The manufacturer wants you to use their own.

Just my .02

When Harley used a chain on the final drive, the motorcycle was designed to piss oil all over the ground as well as your shoe. (Kept your shoes waterproof.)

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My XLs don't leak oil. But then they were reconditioned to "better than new" by Bruce Sanders, who in a former life WAS a Simplex XL. My 5 year old Strong/Simplex 35s don't leak oil (which would REALLY be a mess because that booth has carpet, which I hate -- it holds the dirt.) So the question is, Joe, what box are you getting these Simplexs out of?

Frank

Oh yah, and while we are talking about design.....so why can't someone design a Century that can re-rack a full four sprockets so that the word FRAME on that knob will actually do something useful?! And while we are at it, how difficult would it be to also incorporate a framing window in the Centurys?

And BTW, Bruce said exactly the same thing as Steve; he said the XL gearing is more robust and over-all mechanically, it is a very elegant design.

Steve

I run four PR1014's and they all leaked out of the Drive-in fill tube on the front of the projector but I've sealed that up with some silicone and now they are dry as a bone. One of them was leaking out of the gear compartment door on the left side where all the oil is supposed to drip back into sump. I got the old manager/projectionist to admit that he used to loosen the top nut on the door and pull back to add oil, after that the door wouldn't seat properly. I have since replaced the door and all is well.

Simplexes rule? Even if none of them ever leaked oil, I am betting that a Kinoton would be better. Simplexes are too cramped and not exactly maitenence friendly (ie easy to work on).