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Topic: Strange Century H Focus probem

Aaron Sisemore
Flaming Ribs beat Reeses Peanut Butter Cups any day!

Posts: 3061
From: Rockwall TX USA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 03-08-2003 05:06 PM

I will concur with Mark.

Dump the H gates and spring for the SA set.

I have had 2 H's (one retired, the other changed to SA gates) that had a constant problem with polyester dust accumulating at the lower portions of the trap causing exactly the problems you are describing. The stuff will compact itself so tightly it literally has to be 'chipped out' with a screwdriver or similar object to clear the trap and restore the focus.

-Aaron

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Steve Kraus
Film God

Posts: 4094
From: Chicago, IL, USA
Registered: May 2000

posted 03-08-2003 06:38 PM

We actually kept a dry erase board like this at Midwest Theatre Supply. Unfortunately I've forgotten most of the entries on it but there were several.

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Mark Gulbrandsen
Resident Trollmaster

Posts: 16657
From: Music City
Registered: Jun 99

posted 03-08-2003 10:13 PM

"We actually kept a dry erase board like this at Midwest Theatre Supply. Unfortunately I've forgotten most of the entries on it but there were several."
_____________________________________________________________

Yea, that board did change on occasion. I think there was a total of three or 4 machines on it over time.....DP-70, JJ, Simplex, and Century. Since we remanufactured so many Cast Iron Centurys(just over 100) I'll let that one stand. Just cutting off the front to install the Kelmar Turrett was almost impossible on those castings, and we eventually resorted to having them flame cut!

Mark @ CLACO

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Fred Georges
Master Film Handler

Posts: 257
From: Lombard, IL, USA
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 03-16-2003 02:22 PM

A follow up. My poblem was operator error plain & simple. I found out that the projectionist changed formats (1:85 to 1:37) and failed to seat the lens collar correctly. The century H uses locator pins on the lens collar for focus. As he changed lenses He "thought" this pin just had to rest against the sleeve (not in the slot) Well He tried to Focus and took the rack to the end of it's travel which was just enough to put it in relative focus at the start of the show and that was it! While I agree the "SA" gate & trap is the way to go (It's Hell to clean the "H"s trap). This machine will be used once a month at best and the gate & trap are "FilmGuarded" between shows (No polyester crud sticks)The Art center will hold off on any change for now. The operator was familiar with Simplexes & SA's but, I guess, common sense was in short supply that afternoon. [Roll Eyes]

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