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Simplex X-L: Difference between revisions
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Added a general description, history, modifications, and known issues.
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The Simplex X-L is a [[35mm projectors|35mm projector]] in the [[Simplex]] line of projectors. First released in 1949, it became one of the most popular projectors in North America and remained an industry standard until the end of the first-run era. X-Ls and their later variants are known as reliable machines that require very little maintenance besides regular lubrication. | |||
Due to the number of X-Ls in existence and the relatively maintenance-free design, they are expected to be one of the 35mm projectors with the longest service life in the digital era. | |||
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==History== | |||
The Simplex X-L was first introduced in 1949 by the International Projector Corporation, and was later manufactured by General Precision, Inc., National Screen Service, and Strong International. | |||
It was rebranded as the Simplex 35 in the 1960s, and the last model for general cinema use following the traditional single lens design was the Simplex PR-1014. The X-L also served as the basis for a number of other models, including those with lens turrets, studio models capable of reverse operation, and a dual-format 35/70 projector. | |||
The Simplex X-L replaced the [[Simplex E-7]] and other earlier models. Some of the main improvements in the X-L include a conical shutter for improved light output, an enclosed oil bath to maintain constant lubrication of the drive system, and the option of a water-cooled gate. It was also the first Simplex to offer the option of a curved gate to improve focus stability. | |||
The X-L was intended to be used with the existing [[Simplex SH-1000]] soundhead (also called the 4 Star soundhead) and new units branded as X-L soundheads (the SH-1007 and SH-1020) were also released. These were eventually replaced by the [[Simplex 5 Star]] soundhead. The X-L was also designed to be compatible with soundheads manufactured by RCA and others. | |||
The design of the X-L remained largely unchanged for decades, with few differences that would impact daily use. One notable exception is the oil gauge and filler, which was originally located on the front of the mechanism. The gauge was replaced with a sight glass inside the film compartment, and the oil filler was moved to the top of the mechanism. | |||
==Modifications== | |||
===35/70 Lens Barrel=== | |||
The original X-L lens barrel was fixed in place. When the dual-format 35/70 model was released, they improved the design of the lens barrel by providing a lateral adjustment to re-center the lens to the correct centerline when alternating between 35mm and 70mm. The 35mm models can be retrofitted with this 35/70 version of the lens barrel to allow for the lateral adjustment of the lens. This is useful when switching between formats using the standard lateral alignment for optical sound and formats with an atypical lateral alignment (ex., full-frame 1.33, CinemaScope with 4-track magnetic sound, Superscope). | |||
===Drive-in Operation=== | |||
Because the Simplex runs in an oil bath, the oil must pool at a low point in order to be pumped back to the top of the mechanism. On the standard indoor projector in which the mechanism was installed at a downward tilt, the oil system is designed to pump from the front of the mechanism. For drive-in installations where the projector is tilted up, a conversion kit is required to collect and pump the oil from the back of the mechanism. | |||
==Known Issues== | |||
===Leaking Oil=== | |||
The X-L is notorious for leaking oil. This is especially true for early models, which have a more porous casting. Later models have an improved casting and better seals, which helps mitigate the oil seepage. | |||
Extra care must be taken when cleaning the projector to ensure that oil isn’t seeping into the operator side and pooling in the film compartment, pooling beneath the soundhead, dripping down the reel arm, or dripping onto the floor. One common solution for badly leaking X-Ls is to place a baking sheet lined with shop towels beneath the projector to collect the dripping oil. | |||
===Soundhead Pinch Roller=== | |||
While it is possible to pair a Simplex picture head with a soundhead produced by another manufacturer, it is far more common for X-Ls to be paired with a Simplex soundhead that uses a rubber pinch roller to press the film against the sound drum. The rubber makes contact with the picture area and can leave marks on the film, especially when dirty. | |||
In the platter era, some projectionists would remove the rubber so that only the film edge would make contact with the pinch roller, but that workaround cannot be used for reel-to-reel projection because it dramatically increases the time it takes to get the sound drum up to speed. | |||
==Threading== | ==Threading== | ||