I have already posted this info but will cover it again. There are three spring loaded couplings in the projector that should be checked out prior to install. If you do you will have a smooth running machine that will certainly see you out! The couplings are two part with one fitting into the other. The four springs allow the two parts to self center and provide shock absorbtion. If these springs are very old or even broken you will suffer irregular picture ghosting and or noisy running. Try gripping the motor handle and rocking it back and forth. If it feels 'springy' then the motor coupling is probably fine. If you feel and hear a definate clunking then the motor coupling springs need changing. Not a very difficult job but not one for the faint hearted. The same applies for the shutter couplings. One final point that applies to all projectors if at all possible run it off an inverter. Doing so gives a very smooth run up and stop of the projector and will extend it life considerably. Vic 5 shutter gearboxes come to mind in particular.

Hope this is of help and interest.

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I think most would agree that the DP70 is possibly one of the best projectors ever made. However it's design precluded it from continued use in automated multiscreen single manned houses!

The Vic 8 however is still manufactured and is versatile and reliable. Its as happy in a fully automated show as it is in a change over show. The number of options that have been available over time prove this. I have worked in two shows with reversable Vic 8's, The shows ran on 10.000' spools and changed over on automation. The first spool then ran backwards thru the projector at 3x speed, ready for the next show. Len's turrets and auto change plates etc etc all automated.

Now I'm NOT saying I liked the idea as such but it was an option offered in responce to a need at the time.

Now I have to admit all those relays, contactors etc were very noisy but it worked. The design was flexable enough to enable options like this to be offered. Can you imagin trying anything like that on a DP70. Of course not!! It was never intended for such use so was never deigned with it in mind.

The Vic 8 was made to satisfy a demand and has fulfilled the demand admirably.

So if I was offered one of each I would still take the Vic 8 everytime.

As for the Westrex 5000...... words fail me and thats a neat trick!

Regards.

I could not agree with you Gordon more on that!.

Thanks for all the info - there have been plenty of useful pointers to other possibilites!

how reliable are Westrex 7000s in the long term? (this won't be getting heavy usage mind)
are they a good bet from a film handling perspective? (don't want to be chewing prints)
apparently the gate design can cause focus problems - is this a big issue?
how difficult are these things to move? (I need to relocate this once a year for the use of a film convention - I appreciate that any full sized machine will be a pain, but in relative terms?)

There's also the possibly of a Vic 8 again - but this is one of the very early RK60 (?) ones. What are the major differences between these and the later (circa 1970) models (besides fire traps and enclosed film magazines)? Will this machine run 6000'+ spools (I think the magazines are 5000')? I'm guessing this model of Vic 8 is harder to move than the Westrex, but again, any issues from a film handling perspective? How noisy are the Vic 8s/RK60s? (I know the Westrex 7000s are pretty quiet).

...and finally, a Vic 4 is a possibility - but I have a feeling I read some very negative things about these a while back. Opinions, anyone? Are any of the parts still avaiable? Are any of the spares common to the Vic 5?

Thanks in advance guys!

Westrex 7000. If looks after will run for years and years. I service half a dozen of these. One very early model, which has been meticulously looked after, and looks like it just came out of the crate. It's in daily use, has been since it's installation in the '70's, the owner wouldn't have anything else! The focus problem is something of an urban myth. That's not to say it doesn't exist, it's just blown out of all proportion. There is a big difference between a 7000 with the original Sankor lenses and magnacom, and a 7000 with Isco or Schneider lenses. Just as there's a big difference between a 7000 with a converted AEI lamphouse on the back, and a 7000 with a Orcon or Super LumeX lamphouse on the back. Spares availability is pretty good, sprockets and intermittent parts were all shared with the Westar 2001, so there's no problem getting those, the belts are easily obtainable, and the gate spring bands don't seem to be a problem at the moment. I'm guessing that sound head and shutter bits might be a hassle new, but there's always a few graveyard machines on the go! You can get round the red light problem easily with a laser, there isn't a reverse scan kit available for the 7000 AFAIK, the ACL works so well on these there really isn't any point to going reverse scan anyway, especially at the price. They aren't especially easy to move, but on the plus side, they are built modular, and all the electrics are on multi-pin plugs. I've seen one on castors that's only used a couple of times a year, and stored in a cupboard most of the time!

Sorry I don't know anything about the RK60, is this the version imported by Kershaw many moons ago? I've got some sales literature on those someplace. I wouldn't fancy humphing a Vic 8 around, even once a year!

yes the RK60 is the Vic 8 as imported by Kershaw. In every respect its a Vic 8 and spares are not a problem. Definatly not a machine to be considered portable in any way!!

As for the Vic 4, nice little projector and with a bit of attention the oil leaks can be stopped....... almost. As you say spares are a problem for them. Gate, pads, sprokets are OK as far as I am aware but anything else, especially motors are difficult if not impossible.

As far as weight is concerned, I'm ambitious / stupid enough to consider lugging even a monster around if it's a great improvement on the other equipment on offer. The RK60 comes in around the same price as the Westrex, with lamphouse etc. Apparently the main portability issue with the RK60 is the foot - which certainly looks like a beast! Since for 11 3/4 months of the year this baby will be static (I'll probably be eating those words at a later date, but...) - so given the application and price equivalence, does one look better than the other? Are the Vic 8's particularly noisy?

The Vic 4 is very cheapski, but I'm concerned that it might die and be irreparable. All things being equal I think the ideal machine would probably be a Vic 5...but can I get one? No. The Vic 8 does look lovely...but it's also such a beast! Oh choices, choices!

Cheers