Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Kinoton spindles

This is topic Kinoton spindles in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Ben Tucker (Member # 7143) on 11-02-2015, 09:42 AM:

We have Kinoton FP38Es and have been running them 3-5 times per week since 2007. I have just noticed that the keys on some of the spindles are extremely loose and can easily slip off. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, do you have suggestions on how to resolve it? Or does anyone have spare keys or spindles that they no longer need?? It's clear that the keys are suffering from wear - probably due to some snug metal Goldberg reels. Obviously if a key pops off during a show it could damage film. And if it pops off and we can't find it we're out of business. Dare I say, it seems like a design flaw to me! Any suggestions for how to resolve this problem would be very helpful. Funny how a show is so dependent on such a small object. The key is key!

Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 11-02-2015, 10:49 AM:

I haven't had any trouble with the spindle keys on the Kinoton's I run, but over
the years, I've had to replace the shaft-keys on a couple of standard 35mm
take-ups and Neumade rewinds.

Take your Kinoton "key" to a large, old fashioned neighborhood hardware store
where they have shelves and bins of assorted nuts, bolts, springs, etc, and ask
to see some "Woodruff Keys".

You might be able to find one that fits exactly or one that's close enuf that it
will work with a little filing or grinding down a bit to fit. That's what I've done
the last two times I've needed to replace one of those little buggers.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 11-02-2015, 12:33 PM:

There were two versions of that spindle (three, if you count the times before the bayonet base). The first version was indeed plagued by the keys that could come out. The second version is much more robust (never had a key failure with them). The early version had the part number 1000 535 77027. The one you want has the part number: 1000 535 77063. I call that one the "heavy duty" version. If you flip it over and look on the bottom side, the heavy duty version has three flat head screws driven in and the key recesses back into the base of the spindle.

Odds are, Kinoton Digital Solutions have the 1000 535 77063 spindle. The trick is getting them. We've found, due to shipping, one has to have a reasonably substantial order to offset the costs of shipping and the various duties.

Note, that spindle was also used on the MUU-2000 (looked like the Christie MUT) make up table too so if you know of any of those kicking around, it might have the part you need.

Posted by Ben Tucker (Member # 7143) on 11-02-2015, 03:32 PM:

Thanks, Jim. Thanks, Steve. Your advice is very helpful. I wish I could get my hands on four "good" Kinoton spindles. Meanwhile, I'm happy to get advice on how to replace and repair the worn keys.