8mm Forum: New Baby restoration

This is topic New Baby restoration in forum 9.5mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Alex Bird (Member # 6945) on April 16, 2019, 07:14 AM:

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, having recently picked up a Pathé Baby in a charity shop. I knew it would be a project, but it's turned out to be in worse condition than I thought at first.
Before I handled it and even more paint came off!

I've filed down the warped flywheel/shutter so it turns freely, and realigned it with the claw action. I assumed the failure of that piece was due to heat, but now I learn it's zinc pest, so it may not stay fixed. From the state of the rest of it, it may have been stored somewhere damp. I am at least relieved that the dust I've been creating contains minimal lead! I don't want to spend a lot more money on it at present, so will see how it goes. I'm tempted to try sealing it with resin and paint.
Photo of shutter flywheel

Then I looked at the claw (double) which did not extend and retract as it went up and down. With some cleaning/lubrication and a little adjustment, the notch latch grabs and the claw goes in and out reliably. I don't have any film to hand, so I've been simulating when the notch mech moves, and timing is really critical. This mechanism alone makes the projector several times more complicated, but it's certainly been interesting working it out! It's starting to sound like a precision instrument.
I'd really like to strip this stuff down and really clean out all the old lubricants, but reassembly looks tricky. There are at least four tiny bolts deep within that would be hard to put back. Am I missing something, any hints?

I have a 200ft Felix the Cat reel ordered - I have the Super PB-EX arms - but I'd really like to find something a bit less precious for testing and run in. There isn't a lot on eBay currently. Any suggestions for getting some cheap films?

I'll no doubt have lots of other questions, but here's a third one for now: I'm going to be in London for a few days at the end of the month, are there any shops or events that would be worth a visit to pick up 9.5mm kit or advice?

Many thanks, Alex

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