Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Pro-35 and their "issues"

This is topic Pro-35 and their "issues" in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jeff Knoll (Member # 1145) on 12-14-2009, 09:30 PM:

We have a bunch of early Bal Pro-35s in service and we need to replace them. We have a line on some late model Strong Pro-35s that will fit our budget but I am curious is the intermittent coupling issue was resolved or whether these newer units will end up having the same issues.

Thanks!

Jeff

Posted by Michael Voiland (Member # 5386) on 12-15-2009, 01:13 AM:

We just had the couplings in one of our pro 35s replaced its from 89 i know we have some ones from the 70s without the turret that had the same issue. I think avg life on the coupling is like 15 years.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-15-2009, 10:29 AM:

If people don't rack the framer all the time I have had few coupler issues and we still have a lot of old VIPs in service

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-15-2009, 12:11 PM:

..in short.."please learn how to frame when threading.." I also know of some older PROs that still have their original couplers..

..it's the danged selenoid that holds the dowser open that gets me at times..

-Monte

Posted by Michael Voiland (Member # 5386) on 12-15-2009, 03:37 PM:

We thread in frame but the coupler wares out after 20 years. And we had a solenoid go out a few months ago... its still held open with a bent up coat hanger. Do you know the best place to get a replacement.

Posted by Jeff Knoll (Member # 1145) on 12-15-2009, 04:20 PM:

Thanks. Thanks! Appreciate the feedback.

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 12-15-2009, 06:39 PM:

I am curious as to why you have to replace them? I could see if you wanted to get out of the pro 35 business but W\why not just replace the coupler or better yet upgrade to the "Disney" version which should last forever instead of replacing the whole machine?

(Im waiting to hear how the equipment dealer told him the could not be repaired and had to be replaced...)

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-15-2009, 08:26 PM:

Plenty of used Century/Simplex around. Why not shoot for an improvement? Louis

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 12-15-2009, 08:49 PM:

Forget installing any of the Ballantoones! Certain gate/trap parts are now non existant and the machine is really at the end of it's useful service life. On top of that none of the steel parts in them are hardened. They are all soft steel... so if you happen to have a film jam or pile up in the machine you'll bend the radius of the star wheel and damage it among other things. Even the webbed version of the star doesn't preclude this happenning. Price some of the intermttent parts on the LaVezzi Store website!

You generally don't have this sort of trouble with Simplex and Century and parts for them are plentiful from several sources.

Ballantoones were only so-so machines when they were new!!

Mark

Posted by Randy Bowden (Member # 587) on 12-16-2009, 01:57 AM:

Funny you should bring that up Mark...I just replaced a pro-35 Intermittent today, and a soundhead sprocket shaft (also notorius for wearing out) They are indeed getting more and more expensive to repair. Unless you are getting machines that someone has gone through recently...don't bother.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-16-2009, 07:33 AM:

Always reminded me of "Ballantyne the Magician." You know, the old lecherous stage magician whose tricks never worked out right; great comedy act back in the 60s or 70s. Louis

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-16-2009, 09:38 AM:

quote: Jeff Knoll
We have a bunch of early Bal Pro-35s in service and we need to replace them. We have a line on some late model Strong Pro-35s

???? Why would you have to replace machines that are in service?

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 12-16-2009, 11:28 AM:

Parts! [Mad]

I replaced some gate shoes once... they had none in stock... had to have them made. Just about could have bought a Century for what that fix cost me.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-16-2009, 01:20 PM:

..like having a YUGO up in the booth...gonna get replaced sooner or later.. [Big Grin]

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 12-16-2009, 01:42 PM:

Yugo. Great car. Zero to 60 in four tries.

My only experience with Bals was while occasionally helping out in the complete Ballantyne package booth at the long-gone Spring Mountain 3 here. From what I remember I wasn't much impressed with their operation - especially the platters. It was a quick and cheap install though, good enough for that "three movies for a dollar" house.

Posted by Michael Voiland (Member # 5386) on 12-17-2009, 03:09 AM:

quote: Sean McKinnon
I am curious as to why you have to replace them? I could see if you wanted to get out of the pro 35 business but W\why not just replace the coupler or better yet upgrade to the "Disney" version which should last forever instead of replacing the whole machine?

What do you mean the Disney version.

The pro 35s that we have a crap unfortunately. The castings are full of freaking holes as we found found out.
Our booth tech can get the gear boxes rebuilt but its still a pricey fix. The thing is that we can get them fixed for less then a new machine. I would love to get century's or simplexes but sync motors with a sync gearing would need to be a must.

Posted by Danny Yancey (Member # 5499) on 12-17-2009, 08:33 AM:

As to the Disney projection all the projection at Epcot except Sorin is Pro 35s or Pro 70s and the studio uses both simplex and Ballantyne. Rock and rollercoster is a 60 frame modified Pro70 duel pin cam. Motor controller runs at thrity frames a seconds. Some of these heads run 18 to 20 hours a day 7 days a week with no stopping. We use DC motors and a Disney controller which will shut it down if a film break. Projectors get overhauled on a 3 year scheuled. They Have a Beafed up intermitten and 70s don't have coupler, straight shaft.

Posted by Jeff Knoll (Member # 1145) on 12-17-2009, 08:48 AM:

We do not actually have to replace them, but we have discovered that buying used working heads is cheaper than some of the parts. We are gradually going digital, but I have an opportunity to replace my ancient Pro-35s with (relatively) newer ones. This could simply bridge the gap between film and digital.

Since I am going through this - I was trying to weigh sticking with the Pro-35 or finding somethign else. We also have Centurys (which are my favorites) but good used are still pretty expensive (unless someone has four sittign around they wat to clear out)...

The feedback has been great... thanks!

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-18-2009, 08:36 AM:

Sad part is that the Pro 35 is almost a good copy of an FP35. Almost, but not quite. It is the "not quite" that comdemns the machine.

As far as film "going away" I think (esp with the Technicolor film 3D) its passing is quite premature. Louis

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 12-21-2009, 01:20 PM:

There are (or were) beafier versions available of most of the "wear" parts for the pro-35 that were speced by/for Disney. I believe they replace the framing coupler (bobbin) with a straight shaft so that you have to thread in frame as there is no more adjustment (also no more jitter!)