Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Is Simplex Still KING?

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Posted by Jim Somich (Member # 3597) on 08-26-2006, 10:14 AM:

I grew up believing that Simplex made the best projectors. They seemed to run forever. Every model has a history that seems to be unmatched for performance and longevity. I believe the pinnacle of success for Simplex was the XL back in the 50s.
My question is, what would be your opinion of Simplex today in 2006? It seems like they are out of the limelight since being bought out. The review of the Millenium on this site is less than glowing. Most ops seem to feel the Kinoton is a vastly superior machine.
Anyone out there running newer Simplexes? What is your opinion of them compared with the alternatives.
Also, I might ask the same question about Century.

Posted by Chad M Calpito (Member # 3736) on 08-26-2006, 10:22 AM:

Through my entire time as a projectionist, I have been using the Simplex 35 Projectors with the 5-Star sound heads as well as the Simplex Millenium Projectors. I like these machines very much. Currently, I am also using the Century JJ Series Projector as well and it is still running great. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I even used the Christie Projectors, too.

Anyway, I heard some good things about others such as Cinemeccanica's & Kinoton's as well.

So far, the Simplex Projectors keep on running great with proper maintenance and care. I think these projectors are great, but, I am sure there are projectors that are most likely better than the Simplex Projectors.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 08-26-2006, 11:11 AM:

There are several topics here, where the best/worst is discussed. You'll find that EVERYONE has their favorite. Top honors however, have to go to Kinoton... because that's Brad's fav!!

Go back far enough... you'll even find the Brenkert and Motiograph afficionados. Even (gasp) one or two who think the PRO35 is pretty special... though I suspect that's because they're also in the parts business [evil]

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 08-26-2006, 12:00 PM:

We use three simplex machines in a 5-screen house. The newest machine, circa 1999 seems much similar to our late 60's model. The only major differences being the Kelmar changevoer & laminated casting. The casting is an improvement, as the newer machine is much less of a leaker. Our older 50's XL, the precursor model to the 35, is built better than either machine. The inside of the head doesn't have a gap between it and the shutter housing, as it acts as a great dirt trap in newer models. [Mad]

It also serves to note of the 5-star soundheads on what one might say is a majority of simplex units (?) Those pinch rollers suck big. They also suck up the dirt that falls from an open gate, either being cleaned or threaded, it doesn't matter, it's probably going to find its way into that soundhead. Our new model's pinch roller guide flanges don't conform to some trailers & casue the soundtracks to be encased in noise. Bad news for lack of trailer discs at any given point in time. And how packed those get with digital basement readers.

That's an operator's point of view. We have the old XL on an SH-1000 and it is fantastic if not reference of our 5 auditoria. Compared to the 5-Star, you can see the inadequacy of the film's routing in the new head. And compared to other heads on the market, I'd rather put a century R3 in any working multi. Just more standardized & easy to thread.

I can also see the improvement in gate weave with Century's. Despite the difference in shutter efficiency, that makes Century a better domestic projector buy.

But yeah, Kinotons seem to be the modern booth choice.

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 08-26-2006, 02:00 PM:

Simplex has gone downhill ever since Strong bought International Projector Corporation. The most outstanding example of poor design is the Apogee. Give me a Motiograph anytime. I'm sorry they bit the dust.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 08-26-2006, 02:43 PM:

Continue this discussion in one of the existing threads.