Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Who makes the smallest platter/foot print ?

This is topic Who makes the smallest platter/foot print ? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 05-16-2005, 02:17 PM:

Hi Guys

I have a small room in the basement for my Booth. I just do not have the space for a platter let alone getting it down the narrow stairs and past the furnace.
Is there a small Platter design available for those limited on space.

Thank you.

Posted by Jon Miller (Member # 163) on 05-16-2005, 02:52 PM:

Christie Miniwind. AFAIK, the only "compact" platter out there. Used Miniwinds may be hard to find, though.

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 05-16-2005, 06:05 PM:

Thanks Jon

I just did a search and found some good stuff in the archives. I use to have a Eprad sword, it was like new but sold it years ago. Im regretting it now as it would have been perfect for my current needs.

Posted by Kris Brunton (Member # 432) on 05-16-2005, 06:44 PM:

Strong also has a small platter, I think it is 42" discs as well..

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 05-16-2005, 07:40 PM:

SPECO also had a model with small discs.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-16-2005, 08:49 PM:

Yea, those 42 inch decks from Strong and others is a pretty compact unit widthwise that still contains the full functionablity of a full-size unit. Strong will be the cheapest being the most simplest built (unit has no electronics as with the others).

Just don't plan on any movies over 2-1/2 hours though.

-Monte

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-16-2005, 08:50 PM:

With today's films being on polyester, you should be able to fit 3 hours quite easily onto one. If you don't mind running right up to the edge, I'll bet 3 hour 15 minutes could be achieved.

If you go with the Miniwind, order the mondo sized center rings. While it may seem bizarre to use the oversize rings with a smaller deck, it permits you to time the platters are 16RPM rather than 22RPM. As such even though you lose 20 minutes worth of film in the center of the platter, the machine will run smoother on the last reel of the movie than it would if you had it timed for the normal sized rings, meaning less chance of a print toss.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-16-2005, 08:57 PM:

..and I bet you can do almost the same with the optional 21" rings for the Strong, and use the microswitch brains to slow down platter rotation.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-16-2005, 09:53 PM:

Hey! I played Gandhi off a 42" Potts Alpha! That movie clocks in at 188 minutes!

I always tell people my platters can hold 2 1/2 hours of acetate & 3 hours of polyester.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 05-17-2005, 02:19 AM:

I think the longest movies I ran were "Titanic" with 194 or so minutes and "Das Boot" with 215 or so, on Kinoton ST200E platter systems with 124cm discs. "Das Boot" filled the platter almost to the edge. If I remember correctly in my old age, back then Kinoton released an updated version of the control software to make the platters run smoother. I don't remember though what I found scarier - the scenes with the depth charges or transporting the print to another auditorium.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-17-2005, 03:50 AM:

quote: Michael Schaffer
....the scenes with the depth charges or transporting the print to another auditorium.

....and that's a gimmie. It'd be the latter-big time SCARY!

Saw someone dump LOTR-II on the floor when the clamps gave out due to not being tight enough...MESSY!

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 05-17-2005, 07:37 AM:

The evil CFS Super Platter also has decks which are smaller than "normal" (52" on a standard Christie). Not that I would recommend getting one, though. Take into account the size of the makeup table, as you will need to be able to position it near the platter for makeup/breakdown and store it for operation.

If you aren't absolutely convinced that you need a platter, there might be other options. Depending on how your space is configured, a second projector might actually take up less space, and you can automate the changeover operation. I've never seen a double-MUT in person, but that's an option as well--they certainly look to be smaller than a platter+MUT would be. John Eickhof had one for sale at a reasonable price a while back, though I assume that he has sold it now.

Another option would be to put the platter in an adjacent room and run the film across rollers through holes in the wall. It isn't ideal, but it can be done.

Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 05-17-2005, 08:17 AM:

quote: Scott Norwood
put the platter in an adjacent room

In that case, couldnt he just knock down that wall?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-17-2005, 12:59 PM:

He can do like I did once, just buy a cheap door from Home Depot or wherever and cut out the corner. Then mount two rollers right beside the hole in the corner to guide the film in and out. If you do it right, you can open and close the door all you want too without it interfering with the film running.

Later whenever he moves, he can simply put the original house door back on the hinges without a trace.

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 05-17-2005, 01:04 PM:

Right outside my projection booth sits the furnace & hot water tank ect. Right next to that is the washer/dryer.
The things we will do to enjoy our hobbies. I was thinking of adding an addition to the house.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-17-2005, 01:05 PM:

How about uploading a floor plan of your basement? Nothing detailed, just the perimeter with footage markings. (It can be hand drawn.)

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 05-17-2005, 02:44 PM:

Hi Brad

I did a quick scan but its to large to uplaod. I sent it along via email. Thanks!