posted August 12, 2013 01:42 PM
Has anyone got one of these? I've fancied the look of them since I was a kid. They don't seem to be all that common with collectors. Are there faults? Am I correct in saying that hey only have a 400ft capacity?
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
posted August 12, 2013 01:59 PM
Michael I've never had one of these which was Italian made by Silma, the Super 8 database says it has a spool capacity of 120 metres, 400' to us. http://www.super8data.com/database/projectors_list/projectors_bell/bell_1735.htm Mind you, the database is not always correct! I'm always wary of "it belonged to my late father and I don't know anything about it".
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
posted August 12, 2013 02:51 PM
Michael It's the first time that I was aware that Silma made badged Bell & Howells. I am surprised about this, I have a Bell & Howell DCR and a DCT and they're both made by Sankyo. It does seem a pity that some Super 8 sound projectors were limited to a 400' spool capacity.
posted August 12, 2013 02:55 PM
To be honest, I didn't even know those projectors you mention were made by Sankyo. So, didn't B&H make their own machines?
Posts: 1592
From: United States
Registered: Jun 2003
posted August 12, 2013 05:20 PM
I bought one brand new in 1975 because it was the only super 8 sound projector available in my area camera shop. It is a 400' capacity machine. I was never happy with it, and couldn't wait to save up for a better one....
Posts: 1592
From: United States
Registered: Jun 2003
posted August 13, 2013 08:29 AM
Michael, It caused some scratches on some of my first super 8 sound films, even though I always tried to keep the film path clean between reels. I blamed it on the general design of the projector and accepted it as an unavoidable part of the hobby; who knows, maybe it was something I could have controlled or prevented. The 400' reel didn't bother me because that was the largest reel I used back then, but it was nice to later move on to a 600' capacity machine. Also, I remember having to have it sent out for repairs at least once while I had it....
Posts: 4837
From: Plymouth U.K
Registered: Dec 2003
posted August 13, 2013 01:18 PM
We had one of these projectors years ago, it was horrendous and put a green line through one of our 400 ft digests and we rapidly got shot of it.
posted August 13, 2013 01:19 PM
Thanks, Tom. I guess this is why they don't turn up too often.
Isn't it strange for a B&H to scratch films though? I always figured they were a class brand. I know this was actually made by Silma but it still went out under the B&H name.
posted August 13, 2013 01:26 PM
Hi Michael, Bell & Howell 1735 has 120m capacity, only. I am pretty shure. We still service them, as we have spares available.
Posts: 1592
From: United States
Registered: Jun 2003
posted August 13, 2013 05:56 PM
On another note, the Bell & Howell Filmosonic 1237 XL super 8 sound camera was excellent. I shot literally thousands of feet of film over the years with satisfying results and zero problems
Posts: 4837
From: Plymouth U.K
Registered: Dec 2003
posted August 14, 2013 03:44 AM
we thought it quite a shame that the filmosonic did scratch as we also had a B&H cine camera and this was a great cine camera, i think B&H are top dogs in the 16mm world. I think every school,college and buisness in the land had a B&H 16mm
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
posted August 14, 2013 03:54 AM
Perhaps it's who actually made a specific item for Bell & Howell. At one time I had a 1226XL Filmosonic Super 8 camera which produced superb results. I see from the Super 8 database that this model was made in Japan.
Posts: 1085
From: Doncaster, UK
Registered: Jun 2004
posted August 28, 2013 05:59 PM
I ended up purchasing this projector and must say I'm quite impressed with it. Good, bright illumination and a steady image. Accurate focusing is via a very positive and precise control. The only thing is that the sound has slight flutter on it. What do members suggest I could check out? The flywheel is free turning and I can't see anything stopping it. Any help appreciated, as ever!