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Author
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Topic: New to 16mm
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David Fouracre
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 123
From: Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Registered: Aug 2013
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posted April 20, 2017 05:26 AM
Hello Ted,
The choice of projector, together with price depends to a degree on your own capabilities I believe.
Are you mechanicaly minded. Do you feel happy with doing maintenance on your machine? I ask because you mention you are an ex cinema projectionist. You may well be used to servicing!
If you want a reliable and easily serviceable machine, I would search for an Eiki Elf NT1 optical sound unit. These are very easy to self maintain, and also have service data and update info of the filmtek 16mm pages. The spares for these machines are available from many quarters, and purchasing an additional "scrap
for spares unit" provides many useful parts. The only downside to the Eiki machines, is the somewhat limited range of lenses for home use: i.e.25mm, 38mm and 50mm. A 63mm and above is more suitable for larger throws. A hard to find zoom lens or zoom adaptor is sometimes useful, but never as good a prime lens.
The Eiki NT version, has better quality sound, a faster "pull-down" and thus better light on the screen.
If you are mechanically minded, perhaps, look for a private sale where you dont pay a retail dealer`s inflated price due to added VAT.
A unit, priced lower, perhaps needing a little of your own TLC, will reward you in exchange for your time and care to cleaning and lubricating.
I have three NT units, all giving me good reliable service, can really recommend them. The later Black NT models being ideal.
Eiki have other earlier models, ST, RM etc, but I favour the NT.
I also own B&Howell machines, which are very well built, but may well have original worm-gear failure. Not an insurmountable problem, but requiring considerable time and care to replace and reset these mech`s. I find Bell & Howell units were supported with a very good range of prime lenses ranging from 25mm, 32mm, 35mm,40mm,50mm,63mm,76mm 80mm and 100mm.
The B&H TQ1 652 modified with ELC 250w lamp) is a beauty when in tip-top condition, great engineering equip.
There are other excellent machines (at a price) but in this world you `pays your money and takes your choice`
Hope the above is helpful Ted.
David
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