ELMO 1200 splices break

scooterbird@directvintern · Wed Feb 12, 2003 3:11 am

Has anyone ever noticed that the splices break in Elmo 1200's? The odd thing is about a year ago I edited a film and the splices are holding fine. Recently (my biggest project of course) the splices keep breaking. I know I can splice correctly so I am wondering if there is a "tork" like device or adjustment that has changed it's setting and therefore is pulling harder than the Elmo used to. Also I am wondering if the glue I bought is old and won't hold anymore. Any help appreciated.

Post by **jessh** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 5:17 am

I would assume that the problem is with the glue if it worked well in the past and doesn't now.
If they are cement splices then the projector shouldn't really be able to do much to them if the splices are correctly formed.

~Jess

scooterbird · Post by **scooterbird** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 6:32 am

I thought the same thing until I played the exact film in my GAF projector and not one splice broke! It's a mystery to me. So I think the splices are alright. Also I bought brand new glue, redid all splices and the same thing occured. The edits broke randomly. I will keep testing with my Elmo 1200's. I forgot to mention that I have two 1200's and they break in both. Thanks for the folks.

scooterbird · Post by **scooterbird** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 8:36 am

Jessh,

I think you are right. I just tested an older film that had over 50 splices I made over 2 years ago in the same Elmo machines and it played perfectly. So the lesson is. Sometimes you cannot trust your local camera store. Like old cheese, they may very well sell old glue. Or stinky cheese!
The final test is to buy a new bottle from Chambless (not even Kodak glue) and re splicing again (187 edits!). If these edits hold then it either is old glue or it could be my variety of scraping and splicing techniques. The best news is that the 2 mint Elmo 1200's I have are NOT at fault!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 6:58 pm

Hi, i read a long time ago in a uk cine magazine that early gs1200 had a defect of breaking splices and a mod was done
and fitted to later 1200 projectors...not much use i know, cant really remember the cause of the problem, but a common problem with 1200 machines.....

Post by **Old Uncle Barry** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 9:18 pm

8O
You did not state if you were splicing striped film or not.If you are,then the magnetic stripe will need to be scraped off the 'base' side or you will not get a perfect bond.This applies also if the cement is getting on in age.
The added torque on ST1200s will certainly pull them apart of the above is not done.
However,should you be using non striped stock it is wise to rough up the base side anyway.I did this with my ST1200 and had no problems from there on in.
I can also say that the very same applies to certain 16mm projectors and,again,this method for me at least has been a cure all.Try it.