8mm Forum: Anyone out there know about the Bolex SP-8 'Special" model????

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Topic: Anyone out there know about the Bolex SP-8 'Special" model????

Brian Paul Cook
Film Handler

Posts: 54
From: Champaign, IL 61820
Registered: Feb 2010

posted October 28, 2010 11:47 PM

Hello,
I just picked up two projectors, one via recommendations here on the forum and one inexpensive one which came recommended. When I received it, it came on, lamp motor runs, lamp works in lamp mode, but nothing else moves. I took the back off and there are no belts. Huh? I also can't figure out where they would run to if there were belts. It looks like they would be blocked off. I can't find any info on the 'Special' Model. Can anyone help, please??
Thank you in advance, Brian Cook

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Brian Paul Cook

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Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted October 29, 2010 05:58 AM

Hi Brian,

This machine was made for Bolex by Eumig and is actually part of the Eumig 800 series. There are no belts.

These have a continuously variable speed control that uses a sliding ball on the motor shaft which presses on the face of a rubber disk. It's clever and simple. Unfortunately the rubber wears until the ball slips.

You could try sliding the speed control (located where the back reel arm hinges to the chassis) and see if it grabs when you move onto another radius of the disk.

The direct approach is to take the side cover off, plug the machine in (Caution: you've just exposed 115VAC circuits) and look at this motor/disk setup with the motor running. If you see the shaft spinning without the disk spinning too, that's where the torque is stopping.

Also, there is an inching knob at the back of the machine which allows you to manually turn the main shaft. Does it turn easily?

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All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

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John W. Black
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 536
From: Deptford,N.J.
Registered: Mar 2008

posted October 29, 2010 08:50 PM

On an used Eumig/Bolex,it is best to turn it on and let motor run for an hour or so,the heat loosens up old grease and oil,also warming parts that might not have moved for years,if you still have problems,turn off motor and take the shaft/motor and move it left to right a few tines,then plug in again.Also,take an emory board to the rubber plates and gently score the rubber,making it easier to grab.I hope you like my machine,just plug it in and away you go.Not a knock at Eumig,I have many of them,but like Elmos,if you are not a seasoned 8mm collector and aren't real familiar with the back of a projector,they can be a pain. To a casuel 8mm collector,I would never recommend either.

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Beat em or burn em,they go up pretty quick

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Thomas Dafnides
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 247
From: St. Louis, Missouri USA
Registered: Dec 2009

posted October 30, 2010 10:22 PM

John, what do you recommend for the casual collector?

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John W. Black
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 536
From: Deptford,N.J.
Registered: Mar 2008

posted October 30, 2010 11:47 PM

For something you can just run with little upkeep,GAF 2000S and 3000S machines are great,easy on film and easy to operate.Also,most Bauers,Sankyo,many Chinons.If you are new to 8mm,these are the way to go.Elmo and to a lesser extent,Eumig require constant upkeep and must be handled more carefully.The machines I mentioned are pretty much plug and play.They don't have the bells and whistles of the others,but for just starting out or being more of a casuel veiwer,you can't go wrong.When I have a screening at someone elses house,I always bring one of my GAFs as opposed to my Eumigs,they travel easier,with Elmo and Eumig,you never know when you might have to pop open the back.

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Beat em or burn em,they go up pretty quick

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Thomas Dafnides
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 247
From: St. Louis, Missouri USA
Registered: Dec 2009

posted October 31, 2010 01:29 PM

Thanks for your info and practical experience.

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Barry Fritz
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1061
From: Burnsville, MN, USA
Registered: Dec 2009

posted November 02, 2010 02:46 PM

Be careful with the Chinon and those made by Chinon (GAF, B&H, Sears, Keystone). They have a plastic gate assy (this is where the film goes through the lens area. These gates become warped. A warped gate makes the unit useless. The odd thing is with a warped gate it will play Super 8mm and NON-HOME 8mm movies for the most part no problem but will shred you 8mm home movies in a heartbeat.

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John W. Black
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 536
From: Deptford,N.J.
Registered: Mar 2008

posted November 02, 2010 09:08 PM

I have had a few GAFs over the years and never had that problem.If the machines have been well kept when you get one,with good care they are nice no problem machines.

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Beat em or burn em,they go up pretty quick

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted November 03, 2010 08:48 AM

Although I have GS800 and newly acquired GS1200, for casual showing I just us my Chinon 330 MV. It is light and easy.

quote:
They have a plastic gate assy (this is where the film goes through the lens area.

Believe me, this makes Chinon something much better compared to the expensive projectors because it can play VS contaminated film or sprocket damage without any jitters. I have a film that strongly jitter in my GS but run smoothly on my Chinon.

Some members here say that Chinon may scratch film, but I didn't experience that.

Lastly, most the above Chinon is only around $50s [Big Grin]

cheers,

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Winbert

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Brian Paul Cook
Film Handler

Posts: 54
From: Champaign, IL 61820
Registered: Feb 2010

posted November 05, 2010 12:15 PM

To Steve and everyone who responded,

Thank you so much for the help with my Bolex/Eumig. Steve, I did all of the things you mentioned and after warming up for a long time, it started up when I spun the wheel in the back and adjusted the 18-24 lever. Then later, the rewind started up in the same manner. I really like this machine, especially because the Bolex lens is a huge improvement over all of my previous machines, though it is the same speed. The projector handles the splices and rough areas just fine, better than my Elmo 6000 which is an on-again, off-again machine. However, last night when I cleaned the gate and put it back in very carefully per instructions, I started it up and the picture was all jumbled as if it were traveling at the wrong speed and it was making less noise as if the film was gliding through rather than being pulled through by the sprocket wheel. I took the sprocket drive wheel out and when I replace it, noticed that it was wobbly. The projector did run perfectly with maybe seven or eight films running just fine before this happened. I am beginning to think I am cursed. I have tried everything over again with no results. Do you know anyone you would recommend to work on this, as it, I believe, a potentially really nice machine. I have had Sankyos, other Eumig models, the Elmo 6000, and am awaiting an Elmo 1200 with a 1.1 lens. I am a stickler for picture quality and find that this one is by far the best. If I ever get the Elmo 1200, maybe this will be a moot point. If you have any words of wisdom or people you would recommend, then please let me know when you have a chance. Again, I appreciate your help.
Brian Cook

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Brian Paul Cook

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