My concerns were founded upon arrival of the projector as it was less than clean for starters. I powered it up and then found the drive belt was non-existent. But those two things alone are pretty easy and inexpensive fixes. I ordered a new set of belts and then started to go over the projector with a fine toothed comb or Camel hair brush that is. Since I couldn't play any old movies I figured it was a good use of my time.
What I stumbled upon is a problem that could easily creep up on a regular user of this particular projector. The feed reel arm on the projector had a lot of back and forth play on the pivot shaft. It just felt really sloppy. The end of the arm when extended would move back and forth a good 1.5CM (1/2") I could see this being a problem with auto loading and while feeding film. Maybe even causing a film jamb situation.
I decided at this point it would have to come apart. So I start trying to figure out the process. After removing a few screws that didn't need to be removed, I found the right way it should be done. That is the procedure that follows. I am going to assume this procedure should be pretty similar on the K120 and maybe even the K200 series projectors as well. Please let me know in t eh comments if you find this otherwise.
Remove the covers
The first parts we must get out of the way to do this repair are the front and back covers. The front cover come off very easily by simply lifting up and out and then pushing down and out. It can be tricky but once you figure out the process it goes very easily. the rear cover however needs to be removed using a #2 Phillips Screw Driver. Remove the two screws and place it out of the way.
Remove the film inlet cover.
To be able to remove the film feed reel arm cover we must first remove the cover over the film inlet area. This cover is held on by two screws that come from the back, and the screw holding the feed wheel on. Remove the two screws on the rear first. I had already removed them in the picture here. You may or may not have to remove the drive belt for this procedure, and a magnetic tipped screwdriver comes in really handing for both removal and installation.
Next we need to remove the screw from the feed wheel. Be careful however, because there is a spring behind it that will fly off if you are not paying attention. Set the whole assembly aside and remove the spring and washer from the shaft. If you forget to do this they will fall off and disappear Into the then netherworld.
Remove the Feed Reel Collar
The feed reel collar is held on by four plastic tabs that grab upon the inside of the feed reel cover. You just pinch the sides in and wiggle it back and forth a bit and it will release. Remove the Feed Reel Arm Cover
The cover on the arm is held on by two Phillips #2 Screws. Remove these and slide the cover straight off the arm. Be careful of the gears in here however, as they are just sitting on the shafts. They are only held on by the cover we just removed.
Once we have that cover out of the way the solution to our problem is staring us right in the face. You will notice 3 little screws that surround the pivot shaft of the Feed reel arm mounting point. Tightened these 3 screws and you will once again have a nice firm and solid fitting feed reel arm. Placing a little blue Loctite® on these will prevent future problems as well.
*warning*
Pay attention to your screw driver size on this one. Using the wrong one will strip the screws out. These are a #1 Philips head Screw and should use that size screwdriver only.
While we have this open, it would be a good time to put a few dabs of grease on the gears to assure their long life and smooth quiet operation. Just don't go overboard here or you will have grease everywhere later on.
Assembly is just the reverse of disassembly. Happy Film watching.
Comments