Need to repair 35mm slide projectors

[Tom D3]

Hi:

New to the group.

I need help with repairing three 35mm slide projectors: 1) Kodak Ektagraphic Model 750H; and 2) Two Elmo Omnigraphic 300AF

All 3 have the same problem: the carousel tray will not advance, or reverse. When I push the advance or reverse buttons, I hear a buzz but there is no action.

If I had some instructions or a repair manual, could I possibly fix these myself? Any ideas what the problem is? Some kind of solenoid device gone bad, or needs lubrication?

Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Please feel free to tell me where to repost this if this is the wrong forum/thread. Thank you!

TomD3

 

[dmschnute]

I can't speak for the Elmo, but the Kodak has a plastic link attached to the solenoid plunger that has a way of becoming brittle and breaking. This, along with the motor-mechanism belt is the first thing I would look for.

The mechanism comes out in one piece along with the cage that holds the lens. Further disassembly is fairly straight forward, as I recall.

It appears that micro-tools has a decent line of parts. I've seen service manuals somewhere on the net; maybe they have them too.

ds


Dead Link Removed

 

[upnorthcyclist]

I feel your pain - I shoot slides pretty exclusively and really enjoy projecting them - nothing quite like it. Maintaining projectors is challenging. Anything other than lamps, as far as parts go, is real problematic and service is non-existent. I read somewhere that Leica projectors can still be serviced somewhere, at exorbitant cost and with limited parts availability. Elmo is still in business, maybe you can contact them for advice - they now make digital presentation stuff.

I decided to stick with one common brand/model (an AF Ektagraphic) and I keep an eye out on eBay and at thrift shops for them. I have two real nice ones and a couple junkers. The problem you describe is very common and, indeed, is a solenoid that just plain wears out - not real hard to replace should you actually find one. Internal dust (projectors are like a vacuum cleaner for airborne dust) and lack of lube is what really kills them - the solenoid (actually kind of a linear actuator) has to keep working harder to push the zillion moving parts along and eventually fails. Dust build-up also causes excessive heat, which doesn't help much either.

Good luck!

Edit - wow ds, that Micro-Tools link is awesome - first time I've come across it! I mean, I've been to the Micro-Tools site, but never noticed their inventory of Kodak projector parts. They even offer a repair service, although kinda pricey.


Mike

 

[Ektagraphic]

KX Camera can help you out. Their website is here http://www.kxcamera.com/

 

[Ian Grant]

It might help if the OP stated where he's based as the costs of postage would be high for these items.

Ian

 

[vermonter24]

Kodak 4600 carousel

Projector stopped working suddenly. Bulb is new and working but suddenly will not project. Pulled lens out and there is some kind of metal shield that seems to be preventing light from coming through. Is there a suggested repair for this? Thank you for any help.

 

[sionnac]

I'm in the Boston area and need to repair an Ektagraphic; sounds like the problem dmschnute references above. Any recommendations? I'm not comfortable doing it myself. If I can't find the part do you think it's something I could 3D print?

 

[shutterfinger]

Here is a service manual: http://resources.kodak.com/support/pdf/en/manuals/slideProj/manual/ektagraphic_sm.pdf
Look through it after downloading it. Any good camera tech should be able to determine what has failed, sourcing a replacement part may be difficult, 3D printing one will require all broken pieces so that the original design can be duplicated.

 

[John Koehrer]

The solenoid plunger is metal so I doubt that you can 3D it. The solenoid link is some sort of soft plastic(sort of). Because of the shock
when it's activated if it's brittle it will just break.
The link doesn't age well, I've got a couple, if you want one I'll give you one. start a conversation & I'll get back.
To get to the cage(post #2) out the bottom has four or five screws and it just lifts out.
With the lens facing away from you should be able to see where it is, Don't remember a lot about
getting it out but first time may take 1/2 hour or more.

 

[sionnac]

Thanks John and shutterfinger. I'll take a look and see what's going on, John, I may contact you about parts - thanks.

 

[ac12]

A tip that I got from a photo shop.
Go onto eBay or Craigs list, and buy a few slide projectors. When yours dies, just replace it with one of the ones you bought. And use your old projector for parts if it is the same as the ones you bought.
The reason is, shipping. From his shop near SF to LA, shipping is at least $25, then return shipping is another $25. So before you even look at repair cost, just the shipping both ways would be $50.
I have 6 Ektagraphics and Carosels in the garage, to use as replacements or parts.

 

[guangong]

I have two Leitz Prodovit 250s, but only one works. My insurance against projector trouble is to use manual projectors: 35 mm Prato, 6x6 and Linhof for 6x7 ( made by Leitz). These machines will last forever.