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No. MPI04 .

August 1965

,INSTAMATIC t
MOVIE PROJECTORS MSS-L & MSS-P

.-..J

KOD A K LIMITED EQUIPMENT SERVICES STEVENAGE HERTS .

,...
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SERVICE MANUAL FOR THE

KODAK'INSTAMATIC'
MOVIE PROJECTORS M55-L and M55-P

CONTENTS
Page

I SPECIFICATION

1.1 Mains supply

1.2 Lamp
1.3 Lens
1.4 Case
2 SPECIAL TOOLS
3 SERVICING

3.1 Dismantling .

3.2 Re-assembly .

3.3 The take-up clutch.

3.4 Electrical circuit

3.5 Projector faults

3.6 Lubrication and adhesives

3.7 Adjustments .

4 SERVICE PARTS

Made in England by Kodak Limited London

Kodak and Instamatic are trade marks

TP 369/xPi/8-6S

I
The Kodak 'Instamatic' Movie Projectors Models M55-L and M55-P will project SUpER 8 films at
a fixed average speed of 18 frames per second, and can accept spools of up to 200 feet capacity.
A special feature of these machines is an automatic threading mechanism. The film is fed into the picture
gate, and the claw mechanism drives the film to engage with a special clutch fitted to the take...up spool.

1.1 Mains supply

Range-M55-L-200 to 250 volts, 50 cycles a.c. only.
M55-P-115 to 130 volts, and 220 to 240 volts 50 cycles a.c. only.
Consumption-310 watts, maximum.

1.2 Lamp
Type-Sylvania 'Trufiector' D.F.e., 125 volts, 150 watts.

1.3 Lens
Four elementfj1.5, focal length 28 mm.

1.4 Case
Grey p.v.c. covered wood. The detachable front cover contains a white screen which may be used as a
small projection screen.

2
A screwdriver, suitable for the special screws which secure the claw housing cover, can be obtained
from:
KODAK LIMITED

Equipment Services
STEVENAGE
HERTS.

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_---

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3.1 Dismantling the projector

The picture gate assembly. To gain access to the gate for cleaning, etc., move the focusing lever up
and pull out the gate pressure-pad plunger. While holding it out move it towards the case when it will latch
in the fully out position. The gate pressure pad can now be lifted out. The gate framing plate cannot be removed
however, but can be cleaned easily in position with a 'suitable gate cleaning brush.

...
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'",-,,'

The lens and cover assembly. To remove the lens assembly, take out the gate pressure pad as described
above, and slide the complete lens and cover assembly towards the gate until it is free to lift out.
The lens barrel can be removed from the cover assembly by pulling off the button from the focusing
lever, and then sliding the lever off the lens barrel. Do not attempt to dismantle the lens assembly.
The claw housing' assembly. To gain access to the claw and framing mechanism, lay the projector on
its back, take out the gate pressure pad, and using the special screwdriver, remove the three screws from the
claw housing cover. The cover can now be lifted off. Take care !lot to lose the two film snubber springs and
the mirror assembly which become loose when the cover is removed. To clean the mirror, lift out the components
of the mirror assembly, noting the order of assembly.
Removing the claw. As a precaution before removing the claw, carefully lift out the two snubbers and
the mirror assembly. Then with a pair of pliers, remove the end of the spring (174537) which bears in the nylon
bush on the claw and lift out the spring. Remove the claw retaining spring (160360) by pressing down and
twisting it clockwise. If the claw drive cam is in such a position as to prevent the spring being removed, hinge
the mechanism forward and turn the fan blades to move the cam to another position. The claw can now be
lifted out, but do not lose the three ball bearings on which the claw rides.
WARNING: The blades of the cooling fan are brittle, and can be easily broken by rough handling. In the
event of one of them being broken, the complete fan must be replaced.
Removing the mechanism from the case. Release the captive screw at the top of the mechanism
frame and allow the mechanism plate to hinge forward. Remove the two large screws from the sides of the case,
and the mechanism can now be lifted out.
Separating the mechanism plates. Slide the spring fastener (149624) from its inounting, and withdraw
the feed spool arm from the front of the projector. Remove the five securing screws (one on the front frame,
and four on the plates), and the two plates can then be pulled apart; note that the shutter shaft and the control
switch mechanism now become loose. Access can now be obtained to all parts of the projector mechanism.

3.2 Re-assembling the projector

"'-"'"

'-'"

The majority of the re-assembly is the reverse of the dismantling procedure, but the following points
should be noted:
If the mechanism plates have been separated, the control switch mechanism will have to be re-assembled
immediately prior to assembling the plates, as the switch is only held firm when the plates are in position. Do
not forget the fiat spring (149668) which sits in the recess of the switch housing. The drive belt from the motor
can be slipped over the motor pulley after the plates have been assembled.
The insulator (152807) is fitted between the mechanism plates in such a way that it prevents the wiring
from becoming entangled with the shutter blades.
If the claw housing cover has been removed, the components of the mirror assembly must be assembled
correctly as shown in the main illustration at the end of the book. The mirror must be fitted with the coated side
innermost. These parts are so designed to conduct heat away from the mirror and the picture gate to the claw
housing cover, which acts as a heat sink. Check that the two film snubbers and their springs are seated properly,
and then fit the claw housing cover.
2

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'--'"

3.3 The take-up clutch

The drive to the take-up spindle is made via an adjustable slipping clutch. It is set at the factory to
produce a pull of between 0.6 and 1.0 in/oz at the take-up spindle, and should not normally require any further
adjustment throughout the life of the projector. If the take-up spool persistently fails to take-up when fully
loaded, or if it presents an excessive amount of drag to the film leaving the gate, then attention to the take-up
clutch is indicated. Before adjusting, however, make sure that a slipping take-up is not due to a worn or stretched
drive belt.
To adjust the clutch tension proceed as follows. Hinge the mechanism forward from the case and note
the take-up clutch at the rear of the take-up spindle. The adjustment of tension is made by the three-pronged
adjuster which rides on the cam face inside the clutch. Move the adjuster up the cam face to increase the tension,
and down the cam to decrease the tension.

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3.4 Electrical circuit

The wiring diagram for the M55-L is shown in Figure 2. It will be seen that the motor and lamp are
connected in a series circuit together with the tapped ballast resistor. The failure of anyone of these components
will, therefore, prevent the projector from functioning.
The wiring diagram for the M55-P is shown in Figure 3. When set to the 220-240 volts range, the circuit
is similar to the standard model, and when set to the 115-130 volts range, the motor and lamp are connected in
parallel, and the ballast resistor not used.
The motor is of the shaded pole induction type and normally runs hot. The speed is dependent on the
mains voltage, but should give a final projection speed of between 15.5 and 19 frames per second.

3.5 Projector faults

Symptom

Remedy

Possible cause

Failure of lamp.
Ballast resistor open circuit.
Faulty motor.

Poor illumination.

Lamp bracket out of adjustment.

Wrong voltage lamp fitted.
Mains adjustment incorrectly
set.
Dirty lens and/or mirror.

Take-up and re-wind mechanism

slipping.

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'......,/

Projector will not run.

Lamp will not light.
(When the M55-P is switched to the
115-130 volts range, the motor and
lamp are in a parallel circuit and
the possible causes listed will not
apply. The failure of one will not
prevent the other from functioning.)

Claw damages film.

-:

Renew lamp.
Renew resistor.
Renew motor.

-:
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Claw position out of adjustment.

Worn or bent claw.
Broken claw spring.
Worn or stretched drive belts.
Take-up clutch tension slack.

See Sub-Section 3.7.

Check and fit correct lamp.

Re-adjust.

.-....../

-:

Clean and replace.

See Sub-Section 3.7.

~.

Renew claw.
Renew spring.

-:

Renew belts.
Tighten clutch (see Sub-Section
3.3).

'--'"

Excessive vibration.

Broken fan blade.

Renew fan.

Overheating.
(Note: The motor and claw housing
cover normally run hot.)

Cooling fan slipping.

Tighten fan retainer.

3
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'''-'''

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Wrong voltage lamp fitted.

Mains adjustment incorrectly
set.

Fit correct lamp.

Re-adjust.

Unsteady picture.

Claw position out of adjustment.

Snubbers sticking or spring
missing.
Side tension incorrect.

See Sub-Section 3.7

'--"/
~

Remedy

Repeated failure of lamps.

...............

~'

Possible cause

Symptom

Free or replace spring.

Check side tension spring.

3.6 Lubrication and adhesives

(a) A & 0 No. 61-3655 (Plastilube No.1 grease) apply to:
Pulldown cam and claw bearing surface.
Elevation knob spiral.
Pivot post for claw and framing plate spring.
Claw spring guide.
Elevation pivot and retainer.
Claw housing front spring.
Claw housing at point of contact of stroke adjusting screw.
,Claw insert at point of contact of claw pressure spring.
Spring belt.
Shifting pivot and shifting link.
(b) A & 0 No. 10-592 (Plastilube No.1 grease with 12-!-% moly) apply to:
Three claw support balls and races.

(c) Perfecto NN (Castrol) SAE 20 turbine oil, apply to:

Nylon bearings.
Nylon gears.
One drop on cam shaft at each bearing.
Cd) Methyl-ethyl-ketone, apply to nameplate to activate cement.

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3.7 Adjustments
Lamp bracket. The mounting bracket for the lamp is adjustable to compensate for small changes in
lamp filament position when new lamps are fitted. To adjust, remove the small plastic bung from the hole in
the front of the projector case, insert a screwdriver, and turn the eccentric screw to give the best possible
evenness of illumination with no film in the gate.
Claw position. There are two adjustments which affect the claw position. They should be set so that with
a piece of film threaded in the gate the claw enters the perforation holes exactly in the centre each time. The
claw must not touch the film as it enters the holes.
Refer to Figure 1. Insert an 8-BA flat spanner through the slot in the claw mechanism cover and adjust
the hexagon headed screw to' centre the claw laterally. If the claw stroke is incorrect, use a 6-BA Allen key to
adjust the 'Claw position on the cam.

"-'"

'--"

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"'-"
"'-"

CLAW CENTRING SCREW

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CLAW STROKE ADJUSTING SCREW

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Figure I.

Claw Adjustment

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SERVICE PARTS

All orders for service parts of photographic equipment made by Kodak Limited should be sent to:

~
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KODAK LIMITED

Equipment Services
STEVENAGE
HERTS.
When ordering parts, give the name and model of the equipment and the number and name of the part
as shown on the drawings and in the list.
Service parts are shown as Replacement Units. These units may consist of two or more parts which are
permanently secured together. When more than one item is used per assembly, the quantity is shown in brackets
after the number.

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Part
Number

Name of Part

Drawing Quantity
Number Required

Where Used

2138-505-10

4BA nut

Resistor to plate.

2638-804

t" dia.

Claw mechanism.

2638-806

It" dia.

On/Off switch detent.

2716-504

Retaining ring

Shutter.

2716-657

Retaining ring

Mechanism to case screw.

2716-660

Retaining ring

Take-up drive pulley.

2716-678

Grip ring

Lamp bracket.

2716-730

Retainer

Film guide to mechanism plate.

2716-762

Retaining ring

Fan spacer.

Ball
Ball

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10
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LAMP SOCKET 291.14

RESISTOR 27522

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MOTOR 29166/12

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29166/13

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WHITE

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SWITCH 27507
EARTH TO FRAME

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29166/11

POWER CORD 29157

01 RESISTOR

CONNECTOR 40975/11

29/88

29406/16

29406/17

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LAMP SOCKET 291.14

29406/15

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29406/11

29406/1.1

29406/12

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40975/11 (4)
BLACK
115-/.10V
BLUE

29406/19
SWITCH 27507

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220-240V

149624

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INNER MECHANISM PLATE ASSEMBLY

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~40P7SI"(4)

IS7.JS7

~S1769
839976

OlJ.TER MECHANISM PLATE ASSEMBLY

27S07
29173

149668

152807
149630

16

/562.16
/72669

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27/6-678(2)
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2//7-655- 25 (2)

/72654

/65099

/4.96/0

12~992~
29/58

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L,f,

/55.1/9(2)

29/.19

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CLAW HOUSING ASSEMBLY

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/16489(MSS -P)
11S/6:J(MSS-L)

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150208(.1)

SHEET 3 OF 3

18

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