Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: combo platter/reel question

This is topic combo platter/reel question in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Bob Jones (Member # 1756) on 01-29-2006, 04:57 AM:

I'm really ignorant when it comes to platter oriented operations - but I assume somebody will know the answer to my question.

Our local art house venue has a norelco which is set up for a platter. There are times when only a reel or so needs to be projected and it would be be easier to just pop a reel on instead of having to dump it to the platter.

It is possible to have the projector set up with reel arms for say 2,000 foot reels - but also leave the guides for the platter installed - so that you don't have to retool for either application?

Any advise is appreciated.

thanks-
Bob

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-29-2006, 05:38 AM:

Yes that is very easy to do. The big issue is in getting longer arms so that there is enough clearance for that reel to fit, but makers such as Kelmar offer that as an option or an after-thought upgrade.

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 01-29-2006, 06:36 AM:

If the take-up spindle and the drive belt or chain has been removed (or the projector mech was supplied without them to start with) they will need to be replaced. That's no problem if the parts are sitting in a cupboard in the theatre somewhere; but if you haven't got them, replacements will be needed.

Posted by Christopher Seo (Member # 7) on 01-29-2006, 01:44 PM:

If you have the original Norelco upper feed arm, you can use that for reel-to-reel, and for platter use mount an adjustable guide roller assembly to one of the upper "branches" of the arm (using a threaded hole originally designed to mount the nitrate magazine). It is possible to set this up so that a 2000' reel will clear the platter guide roller assembly (but probably no more than 2000').

If the Norelco feed arm is missing or incomplete, you'd probably be better off with a nice used Kelmar arm. IIRC, they generally require you to swivel the platter guide assembly out of the way for reel-to-reel, but this is designed to be a very simple and quick operation.

Posted by Bob Jones (Member # 1756) on 01-29-2006, 04:21 PM:

thanks so much for all ya'll's help -- much appreciated.

Bob

thread closed.