Author
|
Topic: Best regular 8mm projector
|
Tony Stucchio
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 625
From: New Jersey
Registered: Dec 2005
|
posted December 06, 2007 08:27 PM
What do you consider the best regular 8mm silent projector? Dual 8 projectors do not count. I am interested in one that takes into account image brightness, sharpness (one where good zoom lenses are available), steady image, ease of cleaning the film path, film safety (not prone to scratches, sprocket damage, film breaks, etc.), and variable speed control for telecine transfer. I have had a Eumig Dual 8 for years, but it doesn't always run regular 8mm that well -- problem is the claw stays in the same position for Super 8 and regular 8.
I definitely want it for telecine, but want one good enough to project a large image (say 4'x4') for general viewing. Also, while I am interested to know what people feel is the best of the best, I would like to know one I can find fairly easily without waiting years or paying the equivalent of ELMO GS-1200 prices. I see tons of Bell & Howells on eBay all the time, but there are so many different models.
Thanks.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Paul Adsett
Film God
Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003
|
posted December 07, 2007 01:16 PM
My choice would be the Bolex 18-5. A superb little projector, built to legendary Bolex quality, really really quiet running, extremely kind to film, and a bright very sharp picture with the Bolex HiFi lens.
[ December 07, 2007, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: Paul Adsett ]
-------------------- The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection, Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004
|
posted December 08, 2007 04:42 PM
Hi Tony,
My vote, or votes, go to the Elmo E-80 or the Elmo F-80. I have both. (I also have an Ampro Futurist 8; an equally good machine, but it only has a fixed speed of 16fps). The F-80 is the somewhat better machine, for several reasons. Please read my reviews on these projectors. They both have superb engineering with regard to film path, ease of cleaning etc. etc.
They both have variable speed, and the F-80 comes with a zoom lens as opposed to a prime lens for the E-80. They both appear from time to time on eBay, and won't cost you the earth. Both run virtually silently and both accept 400ft spools.
The only thing 'moderns' may not like is the 115volt, 750watt lamp for each, but for my money they're the 'bees knees'. Their optics rival many of the later models. These lamps are extremely readily available and are also reasonably priced.
Good luck!
-------------------- Dave.
Valves and celluloid - a great combination! Early technology rules OK!
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tony Stucchio
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 625
From: New Jersey
Registered: Dec 2005
|
posted December 09, 2007 07:56 PM
A 606 H is a Regent? Like this one: B&H Regent
Believe it or not, I have one of these! My father-in-law gave it to me over 10 years ago and he hadn't used it in ages before that. I tinkered with it at the time and put it away. Last week I took it apart and lubed it. Several problems:
- It is noisy - The rubber wheel that propels the shutter is dried out and out-of-shape...it is not circular...more like a circle with a dent in it. - When I run a film, the take-up reel has too much tension and immediately eliminates the lower loop. When I took it apart, I loosened the screw holding the spindle. Problem is that now the take-up reel sometimes stops turning on its own. How do you adjust it properly? - When I engage the gate, it doesn't put enough pressure on the film, making the projected image unsteady. If I apply pressure with my finger, I get a steady image. - The variable speed control does not do anything. I am not quite sure how it is supposed to work -- it wasn't obvious when I opened up the machine. - Believe it or not, the bulb still works -- it is probably 40 years old itself. But the projected image isn't too bright. It has a Proval f1.6 B&H lens.
Patrick, Barry,
If this is the machine you are talking about, sounds like it is worth the time to make it right. Any suggestions on the fix? How do you convert it to use a modern halogen lamp?
Thanks
| IP: Logged
|
|
David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004
|
posted December 10, 2007 01:49 AM
Hi Tony,
Belts are available on the internet. There are no rubber or plastic rollers or guides on either the E-80 or the F-80. The film path is polished chrome and stainless steel. Threading couldn't be simpler - around the feed sprocket, through the gate, around the take-up sprocket and onto the take-up spool! Extremely kind to film, and yes, they are built like tanks, but with a high degree of precision engineering.
Naturally we all speak as we find, and each of our recommendations is obviously based on our own personal experiences. We all love the machines that we are suggesting to you, but of course, at the end of the day, the decision can only be yours.
Let us know how you get on.
Good luck,
-------------------- Dave.
Valves and celluloid - a great combination! Early technology rules OK!
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Tony Stucchio
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 625
From: New Jersey
Registered: Dec 2005
|
posted December 10, 2007 07:49 PM
Barry,
Thanks, but some questions.
Not quite sure if I need an old blown lamp of the original or the new halogen type. Also, not quite sure why I need this if I am to use copper tubing.
I actually got the B&H Regent working now. For the first time I have been able to project a film. I tightened the screw on the take-up spindle and for most of a 400 foot reel it spins. Toward the end it needs some help. I tinkered with the pressure pad on the gate and now the image projects very steady -- not perfect, but as good as I have even seen in regular 8mm (3.5 foot wide projected image.) I cleaned the condenser lens, and the image brightness is a little better. I suppose with a faster lens than a f1.6 I would do even better. Image is very sharp, though.
Speed control still doesn't do anything, though, and machine is very noisy. But it seems to run at a constant speed despite the looks of the rubber wheel which drives the shutter.
Anyway, I guess I had a great projector right under my nose, but didn't know it. With a little more work it may become a workhorse for me.
I still may try an Elmo F-80 eventually, though.
Many thanks. [ December 11, 2007, 07:40 PM: Message edited by: Tony Stucchio ]
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|