8mm Forum: LOTS of questions!

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Topic: LOTS of questions!

Chad Shumaker
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: Dover, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2011

posted January 10, 2011 08:32 PM

Hello all,

Finally got my Ektasound 235 projector in the mail today. Very exciting to say the least.

Well, as described it runs. But...

1. I cannot get it to frame properly. It will run the film but not evenly. There is lots of chatter and constant roll of the frames. Unfortunately there is no such thing here as horizontal hold.

I've noticed when it's in "still" setting, the picture rolls from bottom to top very slowly. It's almost as if the projector can't hold the frame still.

2. This projector smells like it smoked a pack a day. Any tips on cleaning/de-stinking are welcomed.

3. The speaker is not functioning- it makes noise but I'm guessing since the film won't frame it can't get a lock on the sound.

There's much more I could say- little details I've noticed as it runs, but I don't want a long rambling post. If I can address these problems one at a time, and work it out to a nice functioning projector, I'll be a happy man.

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Raymond J. Santoro
Junior
Posts: 28
From: Tucson, AZ USA
Registered: Oct 2008

posted January 10, 2011 11:01 PM

Dear Chad;

I hate to tell you this, but it sounds like you got a lemon of a projector. In the past year I've bought several Super-8 projectors on-line, and a few of those have not worked at all as described. One was so bad it had spider webs and residue all through the unit! I finally got a great one on eBay that worked prefectly as the day it was sold. Bottom line: let the buyer beware when it comes to getting projectors from eBay and other sources. Many times the people selling them honestly don't know much about them, so ask as many questions as possible before purchasing.

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Michael O'Regan
Film God

Posts: 3085
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Oct 2007

posted January 11, 2011 03:26 AM

Was this an ebay purchase?
If so, you should send it back.

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Barry Fritz
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1061
From: Burnsville, MN, USA
Registered: Dec 2009

posted January 11, 2011 08:58 AM

Unfortunately, most all vintage projectors on Ebay are sold "as is". Before you purchased it, did you get assurance that it worked with film? Most ads will say: "In working order" or something to that effect. I always ask if it has been tested with film and if the spindles and sprockets turn as they should in forward and reverse. If you bought it without asking similar questions, you may be stuck.

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Dino Everette
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1535
From: Long Beach, CA USA
Registered: Dec 2008

posted January 11, 2011 11:54 AM

While it is very true what MIchael and Barry are saying I would not simply throw it to the side if you have to keep it since there are some things to check before completely giving up on it...(Every projector needs a good home [Frown]

)...As for the sound I would say make sure the jacks and volume control pots are cleaned out with something like the radio shack cleaner (It is a foamy spray that will eat away at the corrosive build up that interferes with getting a clean Metal on Metal connection--anyone get the Anvil reference [Big Grin]

)If you are a musician it is the same problem that happens when you plug your guitar in and get that crackling sound, usually a cleaning will clear it up.....
Forgive me as I am not familiar with this model, but if it is strictly tension based-non sprocket driven like the GAF 1666 then yes you probably have a lemon unless lubrication works, but if not as for the jumping picture I would check the gate and sprocket areas. Make sure there is nothing interfering with any clamps that hold the film in place, or the tension in the actual gate area which is usually done via a couple of springs. I have seen projectors where one of the springs breaks or something simply needs tightening to get the proper tension back and hold the film in place as it passes by the light source.... Don't give up on it yet, BUT ALWAYS beware on ebay as there are those telling code words to look out for, such as what has been described...If they don't specifically state THIS PROJECTS FILM PERFECTLY AND THE SOUND IS CLEAR, you are probably in for some repair work, and even then most sellers pack the projectors like SH#TE so it might leave them working and arrive all broken...

--------------------
"You're too Far Out Miss Lawrence"

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Chad Shumaker
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: Dover, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2011

posted January 11, 2011 03:03 PM

Thanks everyone for the info/advice.

The good news here is that the snow caused an early dismissal from work today so I have time to spend working on the problems.

I am absolutely going to try to get this sucker into working order so, if anyone has further suggestions/advice by all means keep 'em coming. I will post further discoveries as they happen!

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Bryan Chernick
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 654
From: Bothell, WA, USA
Registered: Mar 2010

posted January 11, 2011 03:06 PM

"1. I cannot get it to frame properly. It will run the film but not evenly. There is lots of chatter and constant roll of the frames. Unfortunately there is no such thing here as horizontal hold."

This sounds like the claw may not be engaging the film properly, or at all. Something may have come loose with the claw. I'm just guessing since I am not familiar with that projector but I had a similar problem running in reverse on one of my Bolex projectors.

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Chad Shumaker
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: Dover, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2011

posted January 11, 2011 05:15 PM

OK... after an hour or so of observation/tinkering here's what I know.

The belt seems to be in overall good shape. Still seems taught with no cracks or tears. Focus works.

I've noticed the projector seems noisy, a hair louder than it should be.

I've noticed the film runs into the projector smoothly for about 5 - 7 seconds and then the jackhammering starts. The film is not being punctured or torn, and it still feeds, just not properly.

When set to still, the picture does roll from bottom to top very slowly, but if I hold the reel it stops. My guess is the shaking is causing this.

I hit the pot of the speaker with tuner cleaner and that did cause it to make a little extra noise. Hopefully if it sits for a bit some more of the buildup/gunk on the connection will free up.

**ADDITION**

Just discovered that when attempting to rewind, the supply reel is going the wrong way!

Also, the film is getting past the clawbut immediately below that, just before it passes the sound head it is stopping and piling up. When this happens, the takeup continues to spin but the supply does not feed!?! [Confused]

[ January 11, 2011, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: Chad Shumaker ]

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Jim Schrader
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1628
From: Savage, MN, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted January 13, 2011 10:40 AM

there is a guy in Saint Clair Shores, MI his name is jerry marr he has fixed a couple of my projectors and is reasonable give him a call (586) 772-8344 rence camera he maybe able to help you out.

--------------------
jim schrader
"Let's see “do I have that title already?"

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Chad Shumaker
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 110
From: Dover, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2011

posted January 15, 2011 10:56 PM

Thanks to all for the advice and suggestions. I did make a second purchase of a Bell & Howell that is in better condition. Listed as being from a personal collection and well maintained. Spoke with the seller before purchase. Here's hoping!

I'm sure I'll return to my ektasound after a bit more experience and patience comes along.

Chad [Smile]

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