Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: 16mm repair people?

This is topic 16mm repair people? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=005559

Posted by Jennifer Fieber (Member # 1909) on 11-20-2003, 02:27 PM:

Hi. Our theater in Manhattan shows 16mm often on either eiki or elmo Xenon projectors. If a problem arises with a projector, a simple problem means a projector is out of commission for months and months if we send it back to the manufacturer which is a huge problem.

Does anyone know a reliable service person who can, and more importantly is willing to fix 16mm?

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 11-20-2003, 02:59 PM:

I'll plead innocent on Elmo's (does the Elmo facility on Long Island repair them?), but the most prominent Eiki repair facility in the US is KMR Electronics in Santa Anna, CA. Neither EIki or Elmo really support any of their machines any more, but KMR does have a decent supply of Eiki parts, and will repair switching power supplies, which is a somewhat arcane art. Sorry they're not closer, and if anyone knows an outfit closer to NY I'd be interested, too. One thought, you might also try Rangertone in Clifton, NJ. I've never used them, but they used to do repair work and are still in business. Good luck.

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 11-20-2003, 03:30 PM:

You might also try Robert Film Service near Montreal. He handles a lot of 16mm. (514)337-4956.

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 11-20-2003, 05:51 PM:

You might have some luck also on the forums at www.film-center.com

There are many 16mm projector Operating, Service, and Parts manuals there that are all on a cd rom (well worth the price).

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 11-20-2003, 10:00 PM:

I can't speak to Eiki... but ELMO...they are still well supported. Elmo just discontinued (September 2003) their 16mm line of projectors but the parts are still available. I've never had trouble obtaining Elmo 16mm parts.

What Elmo machines do you have and what seems to be ailing them?

Steve

Posted by Jennifer Fieber (Member # 1909) on 11-21-2003, 11:12 AM:

Elmo is fine for ordering parts. Our projectors have been modified to make them variable speed so they refuse to work on them. They also keep things for months and months...

The Eiki has some kind of problem with the power supply to the exciter lamp. It goes through bulbs like wildfire. I'm afraid I don't know much when it comes to fixing electrical problems.

We were really looking for someone willing to come to our theater.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 11-21-2003, 11:18 AM:

Not knowing which Eiki you have I can't be sure, but many of them pull the amp and exciter power off one of the motor windings. One fix might be to stick a small resistor in the circuit. If you want, post the model Eiki you have and I'll check out the exciter supply on yours. I assume you've checked to make sure you're using the right lamp?

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 11-21-2003, 12:31 PM:

I've found that sometimes oil drips from the motor on the Eiki machines and leaks onto & into the amplifier and shorts things out.