Protec OPTIMAX Gets New Look

The Protec OPTIMAX has been a rugged, reliable x-ray film processor for over 20 years. It has just undergone a facelift. Not inside though. The new-look OPTIMAX uses the same reliable parts and roller rack transport system that it has always used. Just the outside plastic housing has changed. Take a look.

Protec made the change to this housing because it can be molded from a flame retardant material. Now both the OPTIMAX and the variable-speed OPTIMAX 2010 share the same housing and look.

One other change for 2019 is that the OPTIMAX will only be available in 220-240VAC configuration. 110-120VAC processor sales in the USA have steadily dropped over the past decade due to the digital imaging revolution. However, all over the world in emerging nations, x-ray film processors are still considered state-of-the-art technology, so 220-240VAC OPTIMAX sales volume is still strong. Protec made the decision to discontinue the 110-120VAC processors, but continue on with production of 220-240VAC units.

Does that mean that the USA and other 110-120VAC countries can no longer get a new Protec OPTIMAX? Absolutely not! The solution is simple. With every 220-240VAC Protec OPTIMAX, we will include an AC-2000 110-220V Voltage Converter.

Plug the AC-2000 into the 110-120VAC wall outlet. Plug the 220-240VAC Protec OPTIMAX into the AC-2000 Voltage Converter. Simple! This solution has been proven reliable over many years of trials. 

Now who in the USA is still using wet film and x-ray film processors?

• Small private practices like veterinarians, chiropractors, and podiatrists.
• Scientific and research facilities using the processor for Western Blot testing.
• NDT industrial accounts.

And for export outside the USA, we can provide a mammography version of the OPTIMAX.

Surprisingly, x-ray film processor use is still alive and well in the USA. So if you need an x-ray film processor, FI Sales has them. We still have 110-120VAC ECOMAX in stock in the USA.

And now we have 220-240VAC OPTIMAX with AC-2000 Voltage Converters in stock in the USA.

                                           

FI Sales can also offer the AFP Mini-Med 90 in 110-120VAC or 220-240VAC configurations.

You can no longer purchase new Konica, AGFA, Kodak or Hope processors. While FI Sales offers so much more these days, we are now THE place to turn for x-ray film processors. Call us at 1-888-972-9777, email us at info@fisalesllc.com, or visit us online at our Protec processor webpage or at our AFP processor webpage. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Watch a demo of the Protec PROGNOST XPE Mobile X-Ray Table with Elevation

Protec manufactures a line of Mobile X-Ray Tables that are ideal to use with U-arm x-ray. Add a Grid Cabinet & Cassette Tray for use with mobile, ceiling or wall mount x-ray. The 4-way float tabletop is standard and available in a composite fiber tabletop or carbon fiber for maximum radiolucency and minimal dose. Elevating models are available for plug-in or battery-powered operation for the utmost in mobility. Link to product literature or our webpage.

Now available for viewing is an excellent demo video showing the Protec Mobile X-Ray Table in action. View the demo video on YouTube.

Contact us at info@fisalesllc.com or call 1-888-972-9777 to customize a Mobile X-Ray Table to meet your needs.

Fischer, Protec and Level 356 Parts Stores

Believe it or not, there are still many x-ray film processors in operation in the USA and around the world. Unfortunately, there are fewer x-ray service companies around to maintain and service the x-ray film processors.  Processor owners are often challenged to maintain and service their own processors.  FI Sales acknowledges this, and now makes it easier than ever to purchase parts to keep Fischer Industries, Protec and Level 356 processors operating properly.

Fischer Industries closed at the end of 2007.  They were known for making processors that last 20+ years.  Well, FI Sales still has parts available for 30+ year old Fischer processors, as well as more recent models.  Visit our Fischer Parts Store. Here you can add Fischer parts to a Secure Shopping Cart for direct purchase from FI Sales.

Protec Medical of Germany is known for making x-ray film processors like the ECOMAX and OPTIMAX that almost never need a part replaced.  There's just something about that German engineering.  However, there are always exceptions to the rule, so FI Sales stocks parts to support the Protec processors we sell. Visit our Processor Parts webpage for more info and a price list for Protec parts.

The Level 356 dental x-ray film processor is the only processor from the Fischer Industries days that still is available from FI Sales.  It is a great little self-contained unit that requires no darkroom.  If the processor is still available, of course parts are, too. Purchase popular Level 356 from our online Parts Store.

If you need our assistance in ordering a part, call 1-888-972-9777 or email to info@fisalesllc.com.

New XS X-Ray Table is Basic & Economical

Protec's line of Prognost x-ray tables clearly set the standard for mobile, elevating x-ray tables.

Designed and made with quality by Protec Medical of Germany, there simply is no better line of mobile, elevating x-ray tables available on the market today.  You can use these links to visit our Mobile X-Ray Table webpage and access product literature.  But make no mistake, at this level of quality, there is a higher price to pay with models running up to and over $20,000 with options.

So what about the U-arm x-ray user that just wants a basic, economical x-ray table?  Enter the XS model.

The XS still comes with Protec design and manufacturing quality, but at a much more economical price, under $3000.  This is a no-frills x-ray table, with a radiolucent and artifact-free fixed position tabletop that can hold up to 400 lbs.  Roll the table into position with a U-arm x-ray for digital or film-based radiography.  Click for XS product literature.

Need more info? Call 1-888-972-9777 or email us at info@fisalesllc.com.

Protec, Provotec, Prognost, Akku ... Oh my!

With the introduction into North America of the PROGNOST mobile, elevating x-ray tables from Protec in Germany, there are some questions about what some of the names mean that are associated with these tables.  This is a good forum to explain ...

Provotec is listed on some of the documents concerning these tables.  Provotec of Germany was the original manufacturer of these x-ray tables.  Provotec was acquired by Protec Medical of Germany in 2010.  The similarity between the names Provotec and Protec is merely a coincidence as they were previously 2 separate companies, but now 1.

Protec Medical of Germany is the largest privately-held manufacturer of x-ray film processors in the world today. With the acquisition of Provotec in 2010, Protec was able to expand its product offering to include x-ray tables, x-ray systems, C-arms, and DR buckys.  All Provotec manufacturing has now been successfully transferred and assimilated into Protec's manufacturing center in Oberstenfeld, Germany.

PROGNOST is the brand name coined by Provotec for the line of mobile, elevating x-ray tables that Protec now manufactures.  There is a loyal following for the PROGNOST brand, so no name change is planned.  One can speculate that the name PROGNOST was coined as a shortened version of the word "prognostic," meaning predictive of something in the future.  That is certainly one of the results of x-ray, helping to deliver a prognosis for the future.

The highest end PROGNOST mobile, elevating table is the model XPE-Akku.  What does the "-Akku" mean?  Akku in German means battery, and the XPE-Akku is the battery-powered version.  Makes sense!

Hopefully, this explains the origin and meaning of some of the names associated with this premier line of mobile, elevating x-ray tables. For more information, visit our Mobile X-Ray Table webpage, call 1-888-972-9777, or email us at info@fisalesllc.com.

Western Blot X-Ray Film Processors

Although it is fast becoming a digital world, there is still a place for x-ray film processors in the world of blot analysis, specifically Western, Northern and Southern Blot techniques. The term "blotting" refers to the transfer of biological samples from a gel to a membrane, and their subsequent detection on the surface of the membrane. RNA, DNA, and Proteins are the three major macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life, and blot techniques are used to identify their presence. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting to detect proteins and glycoproteins is one of the most widely used and broadly useful techniques in cancer research.

The Northern Blot is an analytical technique used in molecular biology research to study gene expression through detection of RNA in a tissue sample. Northern blotting allows one to observe a particular gene's expression pattern betweens tissues, organs, developmental stages, environmental stress levels, pathogen infection, and over the course of a treatment protocol. The hybrid signals are detected by x-ray film and can be quantified by densitometry.

The Southern Blot is a technique routinely used in molecular biology for detection of a specific DNA sequence in DNA samples. After hybridization, excess probe is washed from the membrane and the pattern of hybridization is visualized on x-ray film by autoradiography in the case of a radioactive or fluorescent probe.

The Western Blot (also called the Protein Immunoblot) is a more widely used analytical technique used to detect specific proteins in the given sample of tissue homogenate or extract. The specific proteins are separated through electrophoresis by the use of labeled antibodies. This enables the identification of a target protein in a complex protein mixture. Western blotting can also produce qualitative and semi-quantitative data about the protein.

The most sensistive detection methods in Western Blot use a chemiluminescent substrate that will produce light when combined with the enzyme. The light is a transient product of the enzyme-substrate reaction and is measureable only as long as the reaction occurs. In well-optimized assays using proper antibody dilutions and sufficient substrate, the reaction may produce stable light output for 1 to 24 hours, allowing consistent and sensitive detection with x-ray film or digital imaging equipment. The light output can be captured using x-ray film or a CCD digital imaging system. X-ray film is the most sensitive method and can provide the most detail because x-ray film is more densely coated with photo-reactive molecules than a CCD digital imaging detector has photo sensors. In addition, the x-ray film is placed nearly in direct contact with the blot, separated only by a thin transparent plastic sheet, allowing more light photons to collide and interact with the film emulsion than with a CCD digital detector that may be located behind one or more focusing lenses. For these reasons, x-ray film exposure times are shorter than those required when using digital imaging equipment.

So despite a world that is becoming more digitized, x-ray film still has a place thanks to blot analysis which means x-ray film processors still have a place. FI Sales offers 2 models perfect for developing of blots.

The ECOMAX is a high quality, fully automatic x-ray film processor made by Protec in Germany. For low to medium volume x-ray film developing, the ECOMAX is a good fit. It is FDA approved and suitable for human use. The ECOMAX typically sells for about $4500 to $5000. It is available with an optional No Plumbing Kit and a Stand.

The OPTIMAX is also made by Protec in Germany, and has a few more features than the ECOMAX. For higher volume x-ray film processing, the OPTIMAX is recommended. It is FDA approved and suitable for human use. The OPTIMAX typically sells for about $5500 to $6000. It is available with an optional No Plumbing Kit and a Stand.

Compare that price with the cost of a CCD digital imaging system that can run upwards of $20,000.  For about 20% of the cost of digital, you can have a reliable x-ray film processor.
Visit our Protec processor webpage for more details on the ECOMAX and OPTIMAX x-ray film processors.

When To "Go Digital" - Updated 2019

Some practices are still wondering about when to go digital. There are many advantages to digital imaging:

• No expenses for chemical, film, or monthly maintenance
• Ability to manipulate and improve image quality, thereby reducing retakes
• Improved processing speed, especially with DR
• Ability to easily store and transit images digitally
• And many more ...

So if a practice can afford digital, then by all means they should purchase a name brand digital system from a respected manufacturer. Be cautious of off-brands that may be as much as $10,000 less expensive, but may not be around in 2 years when support is needed.

But what about practices that are short on funds and are conservative with the funds they have? I have seen estimates around $5 per film for the cost of processing an x-ray film using a chemical x-ray film processor. Then ROI (return on investment) calculations can be made to justify the purchase or lease cost of the digital system. But for the practices that only process a few x-ray films per week or even per month, the numbers just don't add up in favor of digital imaging.

At this point, most hospitals, orthopedic clinics, and large general practices have already made the switch to digital. Large chiropractic, podiatric, and veterinary practices have moved into the digital imaging age. But there are still some smaller practices with sporadic x-ray use that simply can't justify the investment in digital imaging. For them, an x-ray film processor is still a wise investment.

FI Sales now offers 3 x-ray film processor models to meet the needs of any practice.

• The Protec OPTIMAX is a 90 second, fully automatic processor with many features. 
• The Protec ECOMAX is a 100 second, fully automatic processor with basic features.
• The AFP Mini-Med is a 90 second, fully automatic processor with many features.

Many practices these days are choosing the ECOMAX due to it being an excellent quality processor that can handle film volume from very low to a moderately high.

All models are available in "No Plumbing" versions, allowing a practice some versatility as to what room to use as a darkroom. This can be very important for new practices being built that will eventually "go digital," but do not want to make that investment just starting out.

Feel free to contact FI Sales for further discussion on what image processing system is appropriate for your practice. We can refer you to a trusted digital imaging supplier or sell you an x-ray film processor. Call us at 1-888-972-9777 or email us at info@fisalesllc.com.

Why Still Sell X-Ray Film Processors?

We are sometimes asked why we still sell x-ray film processors. Well, because there is still demand and someone has to sell them. And we sell the best processors in the world from Protec in Germany and AFP in the USA.

 Are processor sales still good? Aren't practices buying digital instead of processors? Well, yes and yes! FI Sales is the exclusive North American representative for Protec Medical of Germany. They are the #1 processor manufacturer in the world, primarily because their processors are made with the best quality in the world. So that's why our sales are good. While practices are certainly buying digital, there are many small practices that can't afford digital and can't justify the return on a digital investment due to their very low film volume. Some markets like scientific research still prefer processors for Western Blot Research, and industrial still needs film to wrap around pipes and a processor to develop those films.

Old technology is not necessarily bad technology. We embrace our roots going back to our Fischer days and continuing today with Protec. However, we now sell more of other products than x-ray film processors. Check out our G5 Massage equipment and Protec Mobile X-Ray Tables.

Parts for Protec, Summit QCP, and Kodak MXP 104

We still get weekly calls inquiring about what happened to Fischer Industries and where to get Fischer parts. Well, of course from FI Sales. We are pleased to have supplied Fischer tech support and parts for over 10 years now.

What seems to be even more of a secret is that we supply parts for Protec processors like the ECOMAX and OPTIMAX as well as the processors that Protec built for Summit and Kodak. The Summit QCP is identical to the Protec OPTIMAX and all the parts are 100% interchangeable. The same goes for the Kodak MXP 104 which is also identical to the Protec OPTIMAX with fully interchangeable parts. Regardless of whether you call it a Protec OPTIMAX, Summit QCP, or Kodak MXP 104, it is the same processor and you can get all the parts from FI Sales.

Visit our Processor Parts Webpage for all the tools you need to identify the parts you need for your Protec OPTIMAX, Summit QCP, and Kodak MXP 104. If you need additional assistance, call us at 1-888-972-9777 or email us at info@fisalesllc.com. We are available to help.
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PROTEC Acquires PROVOTEC

FI Sales is pleased to inform you that PROTEC GmbH & Co. KG – medical systems - in Oberstenfeld, Germany has acquired the majority shareholding of PROVOTEC GmbH in Espelkamp, Germany.

By taking this step, PROTEC will continue to strengthen their position in the world-wide market for medical imaging systems. In the future PROTEC will be able to offer complete x-ray systems for the digital direct radiography sector including x-ray generators, x-ray tubes, bucky tables, detectors and image acquisition software. Of course, PROTEC will also include complete analog systems in the product range.

PROVOTEC GmbH in Espelkamp (North Rhine-Westphalia - Germany) was founded in 1998. After the former US manufacturer Picker stopped its European business activities, a group of experienced employees acquired the product rights. This ensured the supply of spare parts for older Picker x-ray systems and gave them the opportunity to develop and sell their own high-quality x-ray systems.

Table and floorstand

Stationary X-ray Table

U-arm for flat panel detector



















Bucky tray for flat panel



















Motorized patient table

Parts for Kodak MXP 104

We just got one of life's little surprises recently. From 2003-2005, Kodak sold the MXP 104 x-ray film processor. It turns out that unit was made by Protec for Kodak, and it is exactly the same as the Protec OPTIMAX that we stock and offer today. The parts are identical, so we have begun offering replacement parts for the Kodak MXP 104. Carestream (Kodak) has now "discovered" FI Sales, and they are sending customers to FI Sales for MXP 104 parts. Nice little surprise for us and for practices that own a Kodak MXP 104. Now MXP 104 owners have a stocking source for parts in the USA.

Protec Ecomax Video is now available

The Protec ECOMAX, the world's most economical x-ray film processor, can now be seen on YouTube. FI Sales is the exclusive North American source for ECOMAX processors. The Protec ECOMAX is economical to purchase, economical to operate, and environmentally friendly. Choose the No Plumbing Kit to add to the Protec ECOMAX if you have no water supply or floor drain.

No Plumbing Solutions

FI Sales offers the best No Plumbing solutions in the x-ray film processor world.


For use with the Protec ECOMAX & OPTIMAX X-ray Film Processors, but adaptable to other processor models, is our No Plumbing Kit. With a 6.5 gallon tank reservoir (looks slightly different than shown in picture) to hold water and a submersible pump, the No Plumbing Kit circulates water from the tank to the processor and back continuously when plugged in. The No Plumbing Kit can be added onto a new or existing processor model. Use the No Plumbing Kit when a freshwater supply and a floor or wall drain do not exist in the darkroom. Watch the video on YouTube.

FI Sales, LLC can supply parts for Fischer Industries X-Ray Film Processors plus so much more - Updated 2019

When the ownership of Fischer Industries decided to terminate operations on 12/31/07, we opened FI Sales, LLC to provide parts and technical support for all installed Fischer x-ray film processors. Visit us at http://www.fisalesllc.com/, email us at info@fisalesllc.com, or call us toll-free at 1-888-XRAY-777. We look forward to supplying your Fischer parts needs as well as offering you:

• Protec OPTIMAX (formerly Summit QCP) processors
• Protec ECOMAX processors
• Protec Mobile X-Ray Tables

Visit us at http://www.fisalesllc.com/ soon! We look forward to seeing you.

Updated 2019

Make sure you check out the G5 Professional Massage Line we offer. FI Sales has been the #1 G5 distributor in the world the last 3 years!