What's the best take up reel slip mechanism on a projector?

[slashmaster]

I've seen a few different mechanisms to allow the take up reel to slip. I've seen the long springs that go over pulleys, springs on an axle pushing on a pressure plate, I've seen torque converters and those rubber belts that have good wear abilities. So far the only one I have not had trouble with is a belted bell and howell 16mm. But I imagine if the belt did break it would be very difficult to find!

[David M. Leugers]

Belts and the little rubber sleeve used on the B+H 16mm take-up arms are available from several sources. Urbanski Films has them on their website.
I have yet to see a better system, as the film take up reel gets more and more film on it, the torque is automatically increased due to the weight of the reel. Very ingenious and works great.

[slashmaster]

Belts and the little rubber sleeve used on the B+H 16mm take-up arms are available from several sources. Urbanski Films has them on their website.
I have yet to see a better system, as the film take up reel gets more and more film on it, the torque is automatically increased due to the weight of the reel. Very ingenious and works great.

Yeah, I thought the same thing, not to mention it adds resistance when you rewind so it winds up tight. But thought it might be difficult to find a belt when they do break. I also had one with a torque converter which had some kind of gel in it (not transmission fluid). Problem was most of the gel had leaked out of the bearing seal, I was thinking about drilling a hole in it, filling it with vaseline and replugging but the projector had a blown amp too so I tossed it. I'm wondering how well it works out when you have the steel spring belts on pulleys, does it wear out fast? I'm also wondering what method a platter system at a theater uses?

[David M. Leugers]

Spring belts can last a very long time. Decades, depending on use and projector. Platter systems for 16mm do not exist. You will have to either
adapt a 35mm system or build your own. Not worth the time and considerable money IMHO. Platters can put extra stress on your precious films compared to the regular take-up reel.

[slashmaster]

Spring belts can last a very long time. Decades, depending on use and projector. Platter systems for 16mm do not exist. You will have to either
adapt a 35mm system or build your own. Not worth the time and considerable money IMHO. Platters can put extra stress on your precious films compared to the regular take-up reel.

I see, I thought the springs would wear too thin at a rapid pace.