Acquired a 16mm flatbed--next step?

[etimh]

So I finally got my hands on my own Magnasync/Moviola 16mm flatbed. I got it for free from a guy who said that it was working fine the last time he used it but that it had been stored in his garage for the last ten years. Well, it looks to be stable and in relatively decent shape, but as you can imagine, it is dusty filthy and who really knows what the working condition is.

I have to admit that I was hoping that I could just get to work on this thing but I don't think that is going to happen. I really need some advice on how to proceed--should I just get a manual and consider the restoration of this thing a long-term project? Just cleaning it up seems like it will be some effort but getting the mechanical and electronic workings correct might be beyond me.

Or should I try to track down somebody who is still working on these things to do a service/overhaul of it? Problem is, there seems to be very little even basic info circulating about flatbeds and less still about maintenance and service possibilities. Who does it--anybody have a connection or resource? I'm in Los Angeles but would consider hiring somebody to come out here.

Any experiences, contacts, or advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Tim

[sciolist]

You might try Dwight Cody at http://www.cutfilm.com/. He does travel and seems quite knowledgeable.

[etimh]

You might try Dwight Cody at http://www.cutfilm.com/. He does travel and seems quite knowledgeable.

Thanks sciolist--CUTFILM was actually one of the few resources I found online and I do see that he travels around working on flatbeds. He was going to be the guy I called if nothing else comes up.

Tim

[woods01]

I don't know how to fix one but if it was me I would start cleaning it head to tow and then plug it in and see what happens. Troubleshoot the obvious problems (power supply, bulb, belts, oil gears) then call a mechanic if its really bad. In the meantime you might come across another machine and be able to use it for parts.

[Davideo]

I have an old Moviola myself (35mm) and purchased maintenance manuals for Moviola from Sam Longoria in Hollywood. Check out his site at http://www.indycine.com/manuals/

[BAC]

I'm not familiar with this equipment but I think the following Craigs List add is what you are talking about. This is for sale in Seattle right now.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/pho/1934991463.html

[etimh]

I'm not familiar with this equipment but I think the following Craigs List add is what you are talking about. This is for sale in Seattle right now.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/pho/1934991463.html

No, that's a Moviola upright. Mine is a flatbed, like this:



Tim