8mm Forum: Price of CIR Splicer

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Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 20, 2008, 09:48 AM:

A few years ago the price of cir splicers for metal was anything from £30-£70, plastic ones from the widescreen centre were £29.00.

The widescreen centre are nowing selling the plastic version for.. Wait for it...

£159.00!!!! [Eek!]

Is this some kind of joke, i have just bought one from ebay (metal) £42.00 plus £4.99 postage. Which i think not bad considering i sold a metal one two years ago got £69, but plastic for £159.00 Is there a world shortage on plastic CIR splicers. [Frown]

Pure madness.

Chris.

Posted by Bart Smith (Member # 780) on October 20, 2008, 12:09 PM:

I picked up an absolutely mint, boxed metal CIR on ebay about 18 months ago for something like £12.50 + £2.50 p&p. Total bargain really, no idea why it went so cheap, the guy had ok feedback, the photos were fine, the description was fine. Ebay can be really weird sometimes, but it was a great buy and made me really happy.

I certainly wouldn't pay £159 for a placcy one, but I doubt that anyone has ever bought one for that kind of crazy price.

Posted by Barry Johnson (Member # 84) on October 20, 2008, 12:49 PM:

All Widescreen Centres prices are a joke when you can beet them on price anywhere.
I have a plastic version which I got for £12.00 some years ago and have seen metal ones for sixty quid but £150.......sod that!

Posted by Fabrizio Mosca (Member # 142) on October 21, 2008, 04:11 AM:

In Italy the same splicers were sold also with brand Ferrania-3M and you may find them in flea markets for about 15 euros or so with original plastic box, both the super8 model and the std 8 model.

Posted by Barry Johnson (Member # 84) on October 21, 2008, 06:12 AM:

Well if you see a Standard8 version please let me know because try as I may they dont come up for sale here very often!! Any other offers out there guys?

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on October 21, 2008, 07:56 AM:

I believe The Widescreen Centre no longer caters for the 'average Joe' 8mm user. it appears to be used by professional film makers these days.I understand founder Tony Shapps has retired from the business. He stopped writing articles for FFTC a few years ago.
Mal

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on October 22, 2008, 09:58 AM:

I will think you will find that they was allways on the top end of the braket for prices. The shop is located in one of the most expensive areas of London. Still I did enjoy Tony Shapps Widex shows years back, and his 16ft Scope screen shows. Quite a acheivement before the Elmo's came on the market and the light output available at the time..

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on October 23, 2008, 03:11 PM:

Sorry to rub "salt into the wound" Chris, but I have just bought a brand new CIR splicer, in it's plastic box, off E-Bay, for £22.00, including postage. After bidding on numerous Cir splicers and getting "sniped" I have succeeded.
Every thing comes to he who waits and I have waited 2 years! [Smile]

Posted by Bart Smith (Member # 780) on October 23, 2008, 03:23 PM:

Personally I'm a total convert to using the CIR, having always been a cement sort of guy previously.

I need to do quite a lot of splices every day in my line of work and time is of the essence to me: once you are used to the CIR it is incredibly quick and reliable, but you do need to get used to its idiosyncrasies.

I reckon that if the wind is blowing in the right direction the entire process can be done in 20-25 seconds or so.

However it is not that great for mending damaged perfs. Or maybe I'm just too ham-fisted???

Bart

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on October 24, 2008, 03:00 AM:

Bart

The CIR can be used for repairing damaged perfs but it's very time consuming if there is a considerable length of damage.

There's always the dilemma of doing the repairs, or just junking the damaged section and making one nice clean join. I suppose it depends on the amount of damage and what you are prepared to lose if you do the latter.

Posted by Bart Smith (Member # 780) on October 24, 2008, 05:01 AM:

Hello Maurice,

It seems difficult using the CIR for perf damage as getting the fold-over right seems near impossible to me. What method do you use/suggest?

Thanks,

Bart

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on October 24, 2008, 06:06 AM:

Bart

I just cut a small amount off the roll of tape with a pair of scissors and apply only to the perfs, then perforate and cut in the usual way.

I only do the one side and slowly progress with small sections until the job is completed.

Maurice

Posted by Chip Gelmini (Member # 44) on October 24, 2008, 09:17 AM:

Remember when glue splicers (cement) were all three formats?

Well, that continues sort of.

Anybody like myself who has a classic Ciro 16mm professional splicer can easily do standard 8mm repairs. You might want to switch down to 8mm wide tape, and the procedure is slightly different. Peel and press one side, then in a dual procedure lift the film off the matrix with the one side already applied. Then with your fingers, bend the other half of tape under the film and press to complete the splice.

You might find it easier to look for the 16mm version, rather than the very rare 8mm standard 8 version.

Just a thought and I can tell you it works just fine.

CG

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 24, 2008, 10:19 AM:

Keith,
I was watching that!!! So your the culprit! Well done mate [Smile]

You got yourself a bargain there. Re-list with good photos hosted by photobucket, so there nice and big, have it finish Sunday at 9pm and you'll make between 50-70 sobs. I'll then sell you mine for 50 notes and your still be in profit! [Big Grin]

Bart,
I am ham fisted, that's why i use the CIR, cement use to get everywhere apart from the sodding film.

My first CIR was 50p!!!

[Razz]

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on October 24, 2008, 10:35 AM:

Thanks Chris, I can feel an "enterprising business" forming here! I was bidding on the one that you won last week, so I am sorry to say this but, "revenge is sweet". Only joking of course [Razz]

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 25, 2008, 08:33 PM:

In that case Keith you owe me Ten quid. [Wink]

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on October 26, 2008, 04:43 AM:

I bought my plastic CIR super 8 about 15 years ago from a boot sale for £2.50.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on October 26, 2008, 05:13 AM:

I dont think i have ever used the Widescreen centre, ive always found there prices to be from Mars although i am sure the products they sell are top of the range, but like the CIR splicer, items you can buy anywhere else always seem to be way over inflated in comparison,
Also, despite everyone saying what wonderfull people the Shapp's are, my Brother paid the shop a visit whilst he was in London some years back, (in the cine haydays) and he was all but blanked, they made nothing of how far up he came, they wernt busy at that time and i guess because he wasnt from the millionairs club they seemed that everything he asked was simply too much trouble.
If only only knew how much he took with him to treat himself to a good new sound cine camera that day, maybe, just maybe they would have a little politer.
Anyway, in view of the topic, i'd say, yeah, that is a joke, look around mate. [Wink]

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 26, 2008, 06:03 AM:

quote:
Also, despite everyone saying what wonderfull people the Shapp's are, my Brother paid the shop a visit whilst he was in London some years back, (in the cine haydays) and he was all but blanked, they made nothing of how far up he came, they wernt busy at that time and i guess because he wasnt from the millionairs club they seemed that everything he asked was simply too much trouble.

Typical shopkeepers in this country. I go mad at them, and her indoors walks away in embarrassment. If they were a shop in the USA they would never have lasted with that attitude, so why do we put up with it. Think I'll phone them and ask them if their serious about the price and then tell them about Keith s £24 bargain and my £44 deal on METAL! [Big Grin]

I'm not aloud say what i feel about this sort of thing, because i'll get told off, but it rhymes with Bankers! [Big Grin]

Posted by Mark Todd (Member # 96) on October 26, 2008, 06:56 AM:

I`ve got a great little Prinz( budget I suppose ) tape splicer Mark mander very kindly gave me with good tape still in and I love it, quite straight froward, and very good splices, anyone know if you can still get the tape for these please. Thanks.
Best Mark.

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on October 26, 2008, 10:56 AM:

What you tend to find in this country is that as soon as you enter the shop, you are pounced on by a pimply faced youth and when you ask a "technical question" (like "how old are you - do you have a brain?") they disappear very quickly. Product knowledge and courtesy rarely exist in the retail trade, these days. All they are interested in is selling you "breakdown insurance". I bought an MP4 player for my daughter - paid £24.00 for it and was asked if I would like "insurance" on it. The cost £30.00 - get real!

[ October 26, 2008, 02:09 PM: Message edited by: Keith Ashfield ]

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on October 26, 2008, 02:00 PM:

Well, glad im not alone on this, have to say though that if a CIR splicer can be bought for £50 or under i'll keep my eyes peeled,
I often belive if you walk in somewhere like w/screen centre and your either very well known to them or kitted up with a posh suite they'll lick your arse and bend over backwards but if your in jeans and T shirt you'r judged from first looks,
As any proffesional buisness person know's this could be a costley mistake. [Wink]

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on October 26, 2008, 04:56 PM:

I dont think we should be making comments about the widescreen centre like this. Ive always found them to be friendly and they always have a tub of sweets on the counter [Smile]

. Yes their prices can be expensive on certain items, but we should all thank them for keeping cine going. For myself they make it easy for me to buy and develop films such as Ectachrome, Single 8, Plus X, Tri X. I dont have to mess around contacting other labs for developing, I can just take them in the shop and job done. Films, developing costs, empty reels are all at reasonable prices and where else can I buy them easily.

Like I said the WC has kept film making going for many years and we should not be stabbing them in the back, because when they close shop for good its another nail in the coffin for cine.

Graham S

P.S. I think the nottingham shop has closed but the london branch is still open I think. I did buy empty reels before what came in boxes but not lately. Some reels now do not have boxes and are expensive for the reels alone.

I also realise there is bristol cine but they dont develop!. Their reels are cheaper though.

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 26, 2008, 08:14 PM:

Sorry Graham, I wouldn't like to stab anyone in the back, i was just surprised at the price they wanted for a plastic CIR, when only 3 years ago it was 29 quid. Still i am sure they have a good reason for asking that kind of money, what it is I'm still trying to work out. [Confused]

Posted by John W. Black (Member # 1082) on October 27, 2008, 02:09 AM:

On the other hand,I find the Fujica splicer does great work.

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 27, 2008, 06:00 AM:

Can someone post some pictures of these alternative splicers?

Chris.

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on October 27, 2008, 07:43 AM:

Going back to the original point , Yes I do think £159 is far too much for a plastic splicer. I remember when the WC were selling super 8 CIR's for £60 when everywhere else were over £100. I wish I bought one then.

I think CIR splicers are getting more difficult to get hold of hence the inflated prices at the moment. I was recently told that the 9.5 model would be over £200 if they ever got hold of more stock. There is also a big difference in prices between the standard, super, 16 and 9.5 models even though the design isnt changed that much.

Graham S

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on October 27, 2008, 08:48 PM:

Personally, although I use a CIR for 16mm, I'm not sure why their Super 8 splicers should appeal to serious film makers - a Wurker surely produces splices that are much harder to spot during projection.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on October 28, 2008, 08:17 AM:

Graham,
Certainly not intending to stab WC in the back, if someone wants to forward this thread to them be my guest, im going from first hand experience, as i said, my Brother went to London a few years back and he tried to make conversation he explained who he was and that he had travelled up to visit London with the intention of visisting WC but they were not interested, i would agree they have been loyal to super 8mm and cine in generall but the kind of customer service recieved by us was far from good. Putting it into perspective my Brother is the spender on cine out of the two of us, i just do a lot of the running work and several thousands have been spent in the last decade through various sources, unfortunatly none through WC.
Just politley letting you know [Big Grin]

Oh, and they are expensive [Big Grin]

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on October 30, 2008, 02:52 PM:

This seller has got a couple inexpensive 8mm tape splicers on Ebay at the moment if anyones looking for one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ERNO-S-80-ROLL-TAPE-SPLICER_W0QQitemZ230304420964QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230304420964&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

-Mike

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on October 31, 2008, 10:29 AM:

WS centre is in one of the most expensive placesin London for rent. Not knocking them because have known them for the past 30 years. Tony & Beryl Shapp have promoted film and widescreen over the years. Ifanyone has attended the Widex shows in London and Rickmansworth will know the effert they have put into film. Since retiring from the scene we now have Jake and have heard from others there customer service somewhat lacks. I do not use them myself and the last time I bought from them is splicing tape for my Wurker from the Nottingham branch, who I beleive was run by there daughter. I found them very customer focused. I dont use this excelent splicer now much because I managed to pick up a few years ago a Super 8 CIR slicer from a charity shop still in its box complete and unused for a £1.00 It's much cheaper to run as well. Also bought a 16mm version off e-bay for a good price as well. Again it's how you precent yourself and attitude that makes you a better customer. Having experienced a recent purchase from Curries digitalthe product had just run out of it's years warrenty. I took it back and the manager just said what do you want me to do about it. You will have to ring up the maker and arrange a repair. They have not changed over the years and along with Dixon now gone and having worked for them years back, have changed very little in customer care.

Posted by Jim Carlile (Member # 812) on November 03, 2008, 03:18 AM:

Beryl was always very nice every time I'd talk to her. Tony Shapps did a lot for the hobby, not sure how the atmosphere was in their shop but they were agreeable over the phone.

So you really want to feel bad? Check out how much CIR 16mm splicers go for across the bay, or the pond, whatever it's called:

http://store.christys.net/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=cut&search_in_description=1&sort=1a&page=1

For that much money they'd better **** me when it comes to service!

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