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.

Alternative to Discontinued Konica Minolta SRX-101A X-Ray Film Processor

There is no doubt that the Konica Minolta SRX-101A was one of the finest tabletop x-ray film processors ever designed and manufactured. It certainly wasn't inexpensive, but I would venture to say that it was not a bad product for the price. It was a reliable, versatile (multi-speed) unit. I can't really say anything bad about the processor, except maybe that when repair parts were needed, some tended to be expensive.

When it was announced in July of 2014 that Konica Minolta was ceasing production of the SRX-101A, we were able to offer alternatives. There are still dedicated x-ray film users that are just not ready, willing or able to make the jump to digital at this time, but they may need a new processor. Or they may not want to have to sell a kidney to get the money required to make a huge investment in SRX-101A repair parts when they could purchase a new processor for a similar price. So what are the options?

We at FI Sales like to think that we offer an excellent option in the Protec ECOMAX tabletop x-ray film processor.

The ECOMAX is about half of what a Konica Minolta SRX-101A used to cost, so it is an inexpensive investment to make while waiting to make the move to digital imaging.

The ECOMAX is a high-quality, German-made product that does not sacrifice quality to get a low price. Clever design engineering that makes the ECOMAX the simplest fully-automatic x-ray film processor in the world also makes it so inexpensive.  We have sold thousands in over 10 years, and we can attest through minimal replacement parts sales that the Protec ECOMAX is made to last. Each Protec ECOMAX ships with a 1 year parts warranty.

The ECOMAX certainly does not have all the features that the SRX-101A had.  For example, the ECOMAX is a single speed unit, while the SRX-101A is a 3-speed unit.  But unless you want a processor that can be used for general radiography, mammography, etc., then multiple speeds on a processor is just an expensive option that drives up the price.  Click the link to see all the features that the ECOMAX does offer.

If for any reason the ECOMAX cannot meet your imaging needs, perhaps the Protec OPTIMAX can. It has more features and is correspondingly more expensive.  More details on all our processors can be found on our processor webpage.

So if you are without a good alternative for the Konica Minolta SRX-101A, we hope you consider our line of Protec processors, especially the ECOMAX.  Use the highlighted links to connect with us online, email us at info@fisalesllc.com, or call us toll-free at 1-888-XRAY-777 (1-888-972-9777).

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.

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.
,

Parts for Fischer Industries X-Ray Film Processors

Fischer Industries has been out of business since 2007. There are some folks that think that means parts for Fischer Industries x-ray film processors are no longer available. Not true! Since January of 2008, FI Sales has been providing tech support (at no charge), downloadable technical data from our Parts Webpage (at no charge), and parts for Fischer Industries x-ray film processors that you can order directly from our online Parts Store. We do not have a limited supply of some of the parts. We continue to restock popular Fischer parts to meet demand and plan to do so for as many years as the market requires parts. What other processor company offers tech support and parts for 25+ year old processor models? We have a Fischer Parts Reference Price List available for download from our Parts Webpage.

So if you have an old Fischer Industries x-ray film processor that needs parts, just tell your dealer to get the parts they need from FI Sales, LLC. We are available toll free at 1-888-972-9777 or email us at info@fisalesllc.com.

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

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.