8mm Forum: Silma S250 thoughts

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Topic: Silma S250 thoughts

Nick Vermeirsch
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2014

posted December 27, 2016 03:54 AM

Hello there!

Does anyone has an opinion about the Silma S250 super 8 projector? Any thoughts about the price that should be paid for this machine?

Thanks in advance!

Nick

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted December 27, 2016 04:20 AM

Nick
I assume you mean 250S.
It's quite old now being marketed in 1968, one good thing, it uses very cheap lamps!
But how can I suggest a price without seeing it? It may work OK, but quite possibly may need new belts.
If it needs servicing there probably will be no spare parts available.
Do not buy unless you can see it working, do not buy "blind".
Good luck.

--------------------
Maurice

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Nick Vermeirsch
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2014

posted December 27, 2016 08:16 AM

Hey Maurice!
Yes, 250S, that is correct [Wink]

The projector is not for away from my home and I'll try to have a look to it. The sellers says that the belts have been replaced earlier this time, and it would be in perfect condition. If it would be true and it is a fine working machine, do you have an idea about a maximum price that would be reasonable?

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted December 27, 2016 09:28 AM

Nick
Most collectors have a Eumig, an Elmo, a Bauer, or a Sankyo. All these models are quite easy to value, but the Silma 250S is a relative unknown projector. It was made in Italy but Silma was bought out many years ago by Bauer, so the inside could have Bauer parts.
Having said that, whilst I have many projectors, the Silma 250S is not a projector I would normally buy.
However, if a person living near me had such a model in perfect working condition I would be prepared to part with £50 GBP (€58.63).
As I said, I am not valuing the Silma, only saying what I, personally, would pay for one.

--------------------
Maurice

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Fabrizio Mosca
Master Film Handler

Posts: 346
From: Milano, Italy
Registered: Jan 2004

posted December 27, 2016 12:38 PM

Hi Nick,

usually, in Italy, this model can be found between 40 and 80 euro, according to the condition and the source (I've seen for sale also at higher price, but they're overestimated).
Personally I would pay for it around 50-60 euro and buy it only at the following conditions:
1st and most important, with its original cable, as it has a non standard plug on the projector side
2nd, with its original wooden bow with loudspeaker.

The mechanic is quite basic and easy to service, also the amplifier should not be a big deal as the components should be easy to be found.

I had one of these but I sold it as I needed space. I still have the standard 8mm version (Cirse Sound 2, same as Silma 240S) and it's quite reliable. Construction of the two versions is the same.

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Nick Vermeirsch
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2014

posted December 28, 2016 07:57 AM

Thank you, Fabrizio!! [Big Grin]

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David Roberts
Master Film Handler

Posts: 405
From: Suffolk. England
Registered: Apr 2004

posted December 28, 2016 02:58 PM

the bolex sm8 was in fact very similar to the silma,made by them in the same factory.
the bolex has a better lens,as you would expect,and was an expensive machine at the time. about £200 in 1968.
I have this bolex version,and it works ok, but mine was serviced with new belts.
the silma was sold for around £100 in the uk
as has been said,i would pay £50 for a good working 250s.

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Nick Vermeirsch
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2014

posted December 29, 2016 03:10 AM

Thank you for the information, David! Except from the lens, are there other (remarkable) differences between the Bolex and the Silma?

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David Roberts
Master Film Handler

Posts: 405
From: Suffolk. England
Registered: Apr 2004

posted December 29, 2016 09:56 AM

I don't think so Nick. Bolex always did very good lenses. I think the sm8 looked smarter,the silma rather plain in comparision,but that hardly matters.

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Nick Vermeirsch
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2014

posted December 29, 2016 12:32 PM

Thanks a lot for the info!! [Smile]

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted December 29, 2016 02:56 PM

Nick
Here are some details of the Bolex SM8. I own one of these.
http://www.bolexcollector.com/projectors/sm8.html

--------------------
Maurice

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Nick Vermeirsch
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2014

posted December 30, 2016 04:47 AM

Thank you, Maurice.
I like these projectors very much. True artworks for those ages if you ask me [Wink]

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