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Topic: I would like to get into 16mm, what do you guys recomend
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Michael De Angelis
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1261
From: USA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted June 01, 2007 08:00 PM
Pablo,
The Bell and Howell 1500 series is old
by today's standards, but they were true
work horses. The best I found in that series
was the 1574. It was manual thread and
had separate volume and tone controls.
The drawback on this model is that the
nylon worm gear had a tendency to create
a fissure that could eventually develop
into a major crack.
To my understanding, replacement worm
gears that are made out of improved
material have been available by KMR electronics
in California. Other than that, it would
be to locate a technician or a knowledgeable
person on how to repair them.
They had a 3 toothed claw that produced a
rock steady picture.
In the Kodak line, the 250S model was one
of the last in their production, and that
had the capability of switching from 3 blade
to a 2 bladed shutter. Also Kodak went to
using Halogen lamps with this model and
the brightness is improved.
The downside is that most of these projectors
are fitted with 2 inch lens and the 1.5 inch
lens are more difficult to locate. Also, the
sound exciter lamp is not being made any longer.
So it would be wise to stock up on any that you
would be able to locate.
These are very easy to thread and gentle on film.
Most commonly, the 125Tr is a model that surfaces
alot. But the 250s, also has a reverse mode.
The Kodak CT 1000 is an Elmo projector upgraded
by Kodak. The Elmo CL is a basic machine, but it
is guided by rollers. The take up gear had
a tendency to break.
The Eiki 3585 is perhaps the best and last, due to
improvements and excellent quality sound, ease on film,
and excellent picture. I don't think that
they are being manufactured any longer, but
they were the best and the last of the Eiki's
The Eiki SSL slot loads can scratch the film.
Search through the Forum and check out threads by
John Whittle. He is very knowledgeable of film
and 16mm.
--------------------
Isn't it great that we can all communicate about this great
hobby that we love!
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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted June 02, 2007 02:47 AM
Hi Pablo,
Just to say that I agree with everything that has been said so far.
Although "relatively" new to 16mm, and having looked for ages for a first machine, I ended up with an Ampro Stylist Major Mk3 - optical sound. I remembered that many many years ago at school, they used Ampro machines, and I was always impressed with the ease of threading - manual only - and the standard of engineering.
These machines are quite old now, but seem to last extremely well. I now have 4 Ampros, 3 for 16mm and one for 8mm. The other 2 machines for 16mm are both Stylists; one is the Educational model, and the other is the Standard model. They all have valve amplifiers which sound superb in my opinion, and none of them has had to be replaced.
If you are looking for a reliable, built like a tank, well engineered, retro machine, I don't think you could go far wrong. They come up on eBay 'fairly' often, and it shouldn't be too difficult to pick one up in excellent to mint condition for very little money.
There's actually an Educational model on eBay right now, which looks to be in absolutely excellent condition. Just take a look. It's item No. 330128585655
I can honestly describe all of mine as excellent to mint, the most expensive one being the Major, for which I paid the princely sum of £54.
Give it some serious thought. Also you might like to talk to Dave Whistler (david@oldtechnology.com) who is also an Ampro enthusiast.
If, however, you are looking for a more modern machine, forget it, but they do look impressive. Check out my photos of the Major on the Forum, March 18th and 28th, and you'll see what I mean.
Welcome to the world of 16mm.
Best,
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Dave.
Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!
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