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Topic: a Fumeo prototype on ebay!!
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted September 25, 2004 08:52 AM
Interesting looking machine - it certainly has a more finished look than the Classic prototype, and the price is higher. Ugo - any chance that you could tell us about the text? Although I'd rather not spend a fortune on a new S8 projector, I think our price expectations are distorted by the many years in which Elmos and most others have been out of production. I think the UK price of the last new GS1200s was £1,599, so just think that would be today with all the inflation since.
I wonder if Phil or anyone is actually using the Fumeo prototype nowadays? I'm sorry it did not work out but I suspect the 'basic' approach - although keeping the cost down - might have failed to give enough collectors the features they wanted. Eg, I was put off by the lack of an internal amplifier, although I liked the possible option of dual guage use as Std 8 with high light output would have been quite something. Also, it needed some proper demonstrations, with sound and on a large screen, to really inspire confidence.
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Adrian Winchester
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Mike Peckham
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1461
From: West Sussex, UK.
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted September 25, 2004 04:31 PM
As far as I know Fumeo are still in business though whether or not they are making any super 8 equipment is another matter. Perhaps Ugo can tell us more about them as I believe they are an Italian company?
As regards equipment, even now, twenty years after most companies ceased to produce super 8 projectors and cameras you regularly see little used equipment coming up for sale both locally and on Ebay. The great thing about cine equipment is that a lot of it was well engineered and expensive, it was bought by mostly hobbyists who having spent there hard earned cash kept their precious equipment well, or by people who had dreams of filming little Jimmy growing up but after running two films through the camera and projector forgot all about it.
I have at least three projectors that I bought locally for very little money that are in their original boxes and have evidently had little use, clearly there are thousands like this all over the world and they keep appearing in peoples lofts and showing up in auctions, second hand shops, local papers and at car boot sales.
My GS 1200 has probably been in regular use for the last 25 years and is in perfect working order [thanks to Kevin for tweeking it at the weekend]. I have another that I keep in its box and as very much a stand by machine for when my 'daily driver' breaks down. No sign of that yet. I think this is one of several reasons that Classics Fumeo project didn't take off, it was a shame because it was a brave venture on Phils part and deserved to succeed but all the time it is possible to pick up a 'nearly new' projector for around £100 few people are going to want to spend big bucks on a new one.
Mike
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Auntie Em must have stopped wondering where I am by now...
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Steve Klare
Film Guy
Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted September 25, 2004 05:34 PM
Actually, like many hobbies the cost can be whatever you want it to be. Many folks here have shelves full of S-8 features bought new. My economics don't allow for that, so I don't. I buy shorts new, but also buy a lot of used films for a fraction of the price. I don't go for the absolute premium equipment, and find I can be happy with less than the absolute top of the line. (This might change if a whole lot of money ever accidentally fell in my lap!)
I am content that I am getting more than my money's worth in terms of enjoyment and relaxation.
As for the usual complaint that Super-8 is in it's death throws, I've been hearing it since the early 1980s and it's actually outlived the first guy that told me so. So, I don't really listen any more.
By the same token, I know that nothing is for ever, time and change roll onward. I don't expect to have people sitting around watching Super-8 films (in aluminum foil clothing, of course) 200 years from now. Besides, even if that's the case none of us will ever know it. (You see, our days are numbered as well!)
I'm simply happy to have this wonderful medium to enjoy right now.
I'm in absolute aggreement with Mike about the equipment. Much of it was bought new and rapidly shelved, so in a way there is much "new" equipment out there, you just need the patience to wade through the junk! (The challenges are what make it worthwhile.)
I think it's OK to stick stubbornly to Super-8 as well (or film in general, or whatever else floats your boat), nobody's life is endangered by it, nor the freedom of millions. It's just a hobby, and only important because it let's people walk away from the daily nonsense and play nicely!
I can't ever "Give up Super-8 for video", simply because I have all sorts of video equipment already (Camera, VCR, DVD player, very nice Sony Trinitron.) and they are just appliances: since there is no challenge to using them they don't kindle any fires in my soul. I feel just as passionate about the vacuum cleaner or the microwave!
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All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...
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Mike Peckham
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1461
From: West Sussex, UK.
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted September 26, 2004 02:49 AM
Oh dear, why must we keep going down this route? Collecting 8mm films is a hobby, it doesn't make any sense, it doesn't need to it's a hobby. People go fishing, that doesn't make any sense, they spend thousands on equipment and special fishing holidays but could just as easily go to the supermarket and buy fresh fish over the counter, but that wouldn't be any fun because fishing is their hobby.
I also have an interest in ancient VWs' and every now and then someone says 'why do drive round in an ancient VW when you could go and buy a ney Polo or Golf or Fiesta?' Well actually I have bought a new Golf and I use that every day but the Beetle is my hobby, I take that out when the weather is good, I polish it and tweek it and spend days contacting my fellow VW friends exchanging anecdotes and tracking down hard to find parts, why? Because it's my hobby.
There are plenty of more sensible ways to watch films including DVD VIdeo and 16mm or going to the cinema, truth be told many of the forum members do all of the above but collecting 8mm is a hobby. I have a video and a DVD but I still like collecting 8mm because it's my hobby. Just like the people who think I must drive a 32 year old VW around all the time there must be people who look at this site who think that we don't have tvs' and videos and DVDs' or go to the cinema but sit at home in darkened rooms all the time watching films on 8mm. Well, some might but for me it's a hobby.
If you don't like 8mm, for what ever reason, that's fine no one will force you but just undersatnd that for some people it's their hobby.
Mike ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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Auntie Em must have stopped wondering where I am by now...
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