Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Ghosting on Simplex XL 1014

This is topic Ghosting on Simplex XL 1014 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=011503

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 08-12-2013, 08:56 PM:

I have one of the 'newer' XL heads, a Simplex 35
Model 1014. I've had an odd anomaly happen that I can't seem to figure out.
Twice so far I have run a test loop and all is fine. I thread up and start the
film and hear some odd noise and then I have some severe ghosting.
I had to retime the shutter. turning over by hand I heard some faint scraping so I went back and slid it on the shaft a hair to correct that. Then it happened with another show a month later.

I know someone will say junk the head as it is not the vintage model but it was free and I like the steadiness and all around flat focus it delivers.

Many thanks in advance.

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 08-12-2013, 09:15 PM:

Hi Bill:

It is possible that the shutter drive is bad. There is a spring washer behind the gear in the oil bath side..when it loses tension or breaks the shutter shaft will bounce in and out, which will shift the shutter timing. (In extreme cases it will cause travel ghost at the top AND bottom of bright images...)

As a quick check, watch the shutter's drive gear (the steel one on the drive assy) as someone starts the projector. If it bounces as the machine starts (usually with a knocking sound) the drive is bad.

If you need one, I have a drive assy in good condition, contact me by email or PM.

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 08-12-2013, 09:36 PM:

Tony, thanks for the heads up. I'll be back in that booth next weekend and look for what you said and look through my spare parts as well. ...

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 08-16-2013, 10:05 PM:

Tony, I looked through spare parts and saw i did have a shutter drive assembly. I took the old one out and found that the spring tension was significantly looser than a new one. All ive been able to run is one reel and test loops, but so far we look good. Thank you again for nailing it!

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 08-17-2013, 09:39 PM:

You're welcome Bill, glad I could help out.

(Unlike what some on here think I am not a bad guy...) [Big Grin]