Simplex five star question

[Mark Gulbrandsen]

Double check for other set screws and if any set screws may be doubled up, one on top of another. If you are sure everything is clear, then you will likely need an arbor press to first press the shaft out of the bearing, and second, to press the bearing out of the mounting bar. Do not use a hammer! You don't want to bend or mushroom the shaft. I am assuming dried grease here has essentially glued things in place, which is not too unusual on these. You can also consult the manual that is located in the warehouse...

[Erik Lallucci]

Got it ! Thanks for the help everyone!

Ordered the new bearing and pulley that Josh recommended… pulley came and is a great fit! Waiting on the new bearing and should be able repeat the steps on the “cleaner “ sound head soon.

Really appreciate all the help from everyone!

Erik

[Erik Lallucci]

Again, thank you to all that helped me with the sound head unit project! Huge thanks to Josh Jones for providing me with specific parts and instruction on the new pulley drive assembly! Finally got this projector up and running now thanks to his knowledge!

One more question for the group please… now that I have 2 up and running Simplex units, what do people feel would be the best primary unit of the two I have? Basically I want to use the machine that is the MOST gentle on film.

thank you
Erik

[Ryan Gallagher]

I’m not sure you said, is this a home screening room? The industry interpretation of “gentle on the prints” these days is to use both, in a reel to reel changeover setup. All depends on the source of your prints if other approaches are permissible that permit single projector approaches.

[Erik Lallucci]

Yes, this is a home screening room. I just use one unit at this time with 6000' reels and fine with the pause every hour. I just want to make sure I am using the best one out of the two Simplex machines I have.

[Tony Bandiera Jr]

Again, thank you to all that helped me with the sound head unit project! Huge thanks to Josh Jones for providing me with specific parts and instruction on the new pulley drive assembly! Finally got this projector up and running now thanks to his knowledge!

One more question for the group please… now that I have 2 up and running Simplex units, what do people feel would be the best primary unit of the two I have? Basically I want to use the machine that is the MOST gentle on film.

thank you
Erik

The machine that will be most gentle on film is one that has been checked out and aligned by an experienced technician, who can ensure that the film path (gate, trap and pad rollers) is properly aligned, that the trap tension is properly set, pad rollers stops are set correctly, and that the trap and gate film contact surfaces are free of wear points or scratches, burrs, etc. that can cause film damage.

That Strong branded one I have no idea what that gate and trap is all about, but that style used on other projectors is a major pain to get set correctly, and usually has horrible focus and stability issues. The other uses the standard Simplex Gate and trap, and that appears to be a single/double shoe studio gate, where the alignment and spacing of the side rails in the trap are super critical for stability and to prevent film damage. When set up and tensioned correctly, it can perform well and be very easy on prints.

Where are you going to get prints? (EDIT: I saw your answer after I posted this..) If you are going to use them commercially and ask archives, be warned that ANY damage you cause to a print, no matter how slight, you WILL be billed for, and it won't be cheap. And you'll quickly end up "blacklisted" and unable to get prints again. Same would be true if you borrow from most film collectors.

Now if this is for casual home use, one, you won't get archives to loan you prints, so the projectors can be a bit rougher on the film without consequences that would hit your wallet hard. And there are ways to now get prints you purchase for your own use. Most will be in fair to rough shape anyways, so either machine will be fine.

The key takeaway is you would be best served to get a local technician experienced with 35mm film to thoroughly check over both machines if you are either gonna be using them commercially, or are really willing to make sure you minimize any possible film damage. Yes it will cost some money, but in most use cases that would be a LOT cheaper than paying for a print you ruin.

Another thing to be aware of: Even though studios seem to have really lightened up on prosecuting people for buying/selling 35mm prints, they are still VERY aggressive on "public" exhibition of ANY films regardless of the media used. Back in the late 80's-early 90's when I had my own setup, and also contracted out for public shows, I spoke at length with my attorney (very familiar with this area of law, his services still cost me a few grand but twice saved me from paying out a LOT more) and he warned that, even showing my own prints, in my own house, to just friends and family, without paying for the license to show it, could get me in trouble if anyone so much as brought over some food or drinks to share. (Under the law that can be argued that I did the showing "for profit" which does not have to be an actual cash payment.) Would the studio actually go that far in my case? Probably not, but they could have if they wanted to. And a new twist that you must consider if you are doing home screenings for friends: DO NOT post anything on social media or a public site like this one! Again, under the law that is considered public notice and will get the studio's attention. Invite them with a phone call or in person. (NO ZOOM or other group conferences either.) * Footnote: On the public shows I did contract my equipment out to, I required a written copy of the license to exhibit from the broker/studio, with the organization's name on it as licensee, and my company name as the operator.

I mentioned all of that so you are aware that there are some risks and downsides to having your own 35mm projection setup. They are fun, but from experience I will tell you that the novelty wears off eventually. But if you can get prints, are willing to do the work, and properly maintain the equipment, there is an element of fun and entertainment value in showing movies the only real way they should be shown. Just be aware of the costs and responsibilities that go along with it. I did really enjoy the time I had with my own setup, but once I was done with it, (and after holding all the equipment and prints in storage for another 20 years) I finally let go and it was worth it.

[Erik Lallucci]

Hi Tony, Yes I agree a 100% clean serviced machine is the best for any print. I have been using the other Simplex projector for at least 15 years and keep it as clean and serviced as I can before each run... but never used the Strong unit i have had sitting for 10 years.

I was just curious if there was one that people preferred better in their experience of using them?

I have been in the film hobby for over 30 years and have collected close to 1000 16mm /35mm prints over the years (Private use only) . I have built one room in my basement that is temp and /rH controlled to store all the prints. Also had the opportunity to work with a lot of the people at the George Eastman house for proper archival training and have had techs come to my house to look at my current setup. I am sure I could use a tech to look at my analog reader to re-calibrate it. The Eastman House uses Century projectors, but I basically am working with equipment I could get my hands on for personal use.