8mm Forum: B&H Filmosonic query.

This is topic B&H Filmosonic query. in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008460

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on 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?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121157227755?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on 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".

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on August 12, 2013, 02:01 PM:

Thanks, Maurice. Yes, I'm a bit wary of that too.
So, what was the relationship between B&H and Silma?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on 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 by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on 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?

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on 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....

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on August 12, 2013, 05:25 PM:

Joe,

Were there any specific problems with it or was it just the smaller capacity you weren't happy with?

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on 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....

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on August 13, 2013, 12:53 PM:

Thanks, Joe.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on 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 by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on 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 by Josef Grassmann (Member # 378) on 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.

Josef

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on 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 [Smile]

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on 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

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on 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.

Posted by Simon McConway (Member # 219) on 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!

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2