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Author Topic: AT LAST - OWNER OF A 16mm PROJECTOR
David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted February 10, 2007 04:31 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
I have at last acquired a 16mm projector. Having read and taken on board the recommendations of various members, I decided to look for either an Elmo or an Eiki (Elf).

I missed a couple of Elmo machines on eBay, a beautiful 16AA and a CL, due to being away. Carried on looking for an Eiki, when I came across an Ampro Stylist Major Mk2 for £54.

Went to take a look at it, against all advice, and I have to say it was in absolute showroom condition, finished in a stunning silver/grey hammer, black and chrome. I couldn't say mint, but not far short. The matching speaker, and a 1,600ft reel of cartoon compilations was included, together with a spare 1,000-watt lamp and a spare exciter lamp. Not only that, but no less than 3 lenses; a one and a half inch, a two inch, and a two and a half inch!!!

I reckoned that, for that price, I couldn't go wrong, and I could always resume the search for an Elmo or Eiki.

Anyway, got it home, stripped it down and gave it a thorough servicing, having purchased all necessary manuals from OTC.

No detectable wear on rollers, sound drum or anything. Seems it was hardly used.

Well! I have to say that I am a very happy bunny. Contrary to popular belief, it is a very quiet performer. The optical sound is sharp, crystal clear, with plenty of depth and dynamics. The picture is razor sharp and bright. This model has optical sound only, but has drillings in the casting and cover plates to accommodate magnetic facility if required.

I know I started off by thinking about an Ampro, as I remembered them from my schooldays and was impressed at that tender young age as a budding engineer. Obviously things have moved on considerably since then, but I must admit I do get a kick out of running this machine - as indeed I do with my Standard 8 Elmo E-80.

The E-80 uses a 750-watt A1/9 115-volt lamp, and the Ampro uses the same; or a 1,000-watt A1/59 115-volt for a long throw or large screen.

Therefore, in all honesty, I think I will be quite happy with this machine for a while, but if I get itchy feet, an Elmo or Eiki it will be.

So, sincere thanks to everyone who offered the benefit of their advice and experience - which was not ignored - just a quirk of circumstances.

Got to get a 16mm camera now for those family occasions and local nature and wildlife shoots!

Once again, thanks and best to all.

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Barry Johnson
Master Film Handler

Posts: 358
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003


 - posted February 10, 2007 12:57 PM      Profile for Barry Johnson   Author's Homepage   Email Barry Johnson   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Dave,
I too own an Ampro-for old times sake! Its a belter of a projector and a quiet runner.The older technology really is well made.Like you,I remember the Ampro from my schooldays.
I also own a B&H TQ111 Mag/Optical playback.The lateer black ones.Staggeringly bright light though!
Funnily enough,its always the Ampro I get out of the cupboard when I view any 16mm !!
Barry

--------------------
Standard8 rules!!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted February 10, 2007 01:46 PM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Barry,

Thanks for your contribution.

Which model Ampro do you have, and which lamp do you run in it? I'd be very interested to hear, and perhaps we could compare notes sometime.

Cheers,

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Kevin Faulkner
Film God

Posts: 4071
From: Essex UK
Registered: Jun 2003


 - posted February 10, 2007 05:48 PM      Profile for Kevin Faulkner         Edit/Delete Post 
Sounds like a nice machine David. I too was looking for a machine as used at my school for a film club I ran.

We used Debrie D16 machines and I would have loved to have got my hands on one but alas couldn't find one.

I have as you have probably seen got myself an Eiki RM which is a manual threader. After new belts and replacement of the cork clutch material it is running very sweetly indeed [Smile] Its got a 2 blade shutter so the picture is really quite bright. Could do with a shorter throw lens of Zoom next. But the Std Kowa lens is a really crisp performer.

Good luck with your Ampro, theres plenty of 16mm material for you to purchase out there too.

Kev.

--------------------
GS1200 Xenon with Elmo 1.0...great combo along with a 16-CL Xenon for that super bright white light.

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted February 11, 2007 06:52 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Kev,
Thanks for your interest. The Ampro also has a 2-blade shutter, so that's why my picture is so stunning as well. The difference in clarity, definition and resolution is way beyond either Standard 8 or Super 8, but I guess I'll keep the other formats as well - after all I do still have a most excellent Elmo ST-1200HD!! [Big Grin] [Big Grin]

I certainly will be looking out for some 16mm prints too.

Cheers,

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Craig Hamilton
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 501
From: Luton
Registered: Sep 2004


 - posted February 11, 2007 07:18 AM      Profile for Craig Hamilton     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
David

The BFCC is a great place to buy nice 16mm prints. Hint Hint....

Hope you can make it this May.

Craig

--------------------
I dream of becoming a dealer!!!!!!
Is Perry's Movies for Sale.

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted February 11, 2007 09:09 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Craig,

Gosh! I'd forgotten about the May Meet, but I intend to move heaven and earth in order to make it to the October shindig!

I'll see what I can do about our very own "May Day".

Thanks for the reminder. [Big Grin]

Best,

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Barry Johnson
Master Film Handler

Posts: 358
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003


 - posted February 11, 2007 11:32 AM      Profile for Barry Johnson   Author's Homepage   Email Barry Johnson   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Dave:
In answer to your enquiry,my model is the Ampro New Educational with the external flywheel for the sound drum.As for the lamps.generally I use the 1000W or the 750w.All my spare lamps for this projector are the 1000w though.
Please feel free to natter at any time.
Barry.

--------------------
Standard8 rules!!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted February 13, 2007 11:23 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Barry,

Thanks for the info. I can't make up my mind about which lamp to use. [Confused]

A friend and Ampro expert reckons that the 750-watt is the best choice - avoids overheating, less chance of the switch contacts arcing and burning out, and cooling is OK when running at silent speed. He has even had a 1,000-watt lamp melt and become distorted - and it's not lack of maintenance - he is an engineer!

I note that the manual for the Premier series says that you should only use a 1,000-watt lamp provided the machine is not run at silent speed, because the cooling is inadequate with the blower running slower. The Major manual doesn't mention this, although the cooling principle is the same.

I like the idea of a brighter picture, but not the chance of overheating. What are your thoughts and experiences?
[Confused]

Best,

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Barry Johnson
Master Film Handler

Posts: 358
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003


 - posted February 14, 2007 01:59 PM      Profile for Barry Johnson   Author's Homepage   Email Barry Johnson   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Of course I concur with all that your friends have pointed out to you BUT..........! A 1k lamp in the Ampro really does the business.Way back when we did regular film shows in Warwickshire,we used the Ampro (all models) over many years and not once did we have any 'fatalities' running the 1k lamp.The machines took them in their stride.
We did however change down to the 750w lamp when we did a 'home' booking,but even then not always.So with these projectors running week in week out,there were no problems.

To sum up,if you do not intend to be continuously using the machine,then bung a 1k in and to hell with it! Otherwise if you wish to err on the side of caution,use the 750watt.
Finally,NEVER use the 1k at silent speed as you will get lamps 'blister'on one side and removal will be a problem and will also damage the reflector.
Hope this helps,feel free to enquire at any time.
Barry

--------------------
Standard8 rules!!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted March 13, 2007 06:34 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Barry,

Meant to respond to this thread much earlier, but other issues had taken over.

To get back to the lamp question, the thing is, is that I usually mix sound and silents when showing films. It's a difficult one, as I don't want to sacrifice a brilliant picture when showing some of my own silent 16mm local nature and wildlife films; and swapping lamps during a showing isn't really practical. Some people say they can't tell the difference in screen brightness between a 750-watt lamp and a 1,000-watt lamp. Yet you reckon a 1,000-watt lamp "really does the business".

Other than obtaining a second Ampro machine, and using one exclusively for sound and the other for silent, I'm still in a quandary.

As I said previously, why does the Premier Series manual state "only use the 1,000-watt lamp for sound speed", whereas the Stylist Major manual does not??? [Confused] [Confused] [Confused]

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Michael De Angelis
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1261
From: USA
Registered: Jul 2003


 - posted March 15, 2007 09:58 PM      Profile for Michael De Angelis   Email Michael De Angelis   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Dave,

If you have an
opportunity, would
you be able to post
a digital picture of the Ampro?

--------------------
Isn't it great that we can all communicate about this great
hobby that we love!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted March 17, 2007 12:01 PM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Michael, you have a PM.

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Michael De Angelis
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1261
From: USA
Registered: Jul 2003


 - posted March 18, 2007 10:33 PM      Profile for Michael De Angelis   Email Michael De Angelis   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
I uploaded this image for
Dave.

This is his Ampro and
it's fully serviced.

Thanks for sharing Dave.

 -

--------------------
Isn't it great that we can all communicate about this great
hobby that we love!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted March 19, 2007 01:17 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Thanks, Michael,

You did a really good job. [Big Grin]

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Barry Johnson
Master Film Handler

Posts: 358
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003


 - posted March 19, 2007 02:08 PM      Profile for Barry Johnson   Author's Homepage   Email Barry Johnson   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Dont care what anyone says,the Ampro is a great looking machine.The earlier versions were sprayed in a gold crackle finish but I reckon the silver finish really sets them apart.

--------------------
Standard8 rules!!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004


 - posted March 21, 2007 04:44 AM      Profile for David Pannell   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Have to agree, Barry. [Big Grin]

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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