8mm Forum: Chinon SS1200 Stereo Projector

This is topic Chinon SS1200 Stereo Projector in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Robert Tucker (Member # 386) on December 19, 2008, 04:20 AM:

Thought i'd pick someone's brains on this machine. Can anyone remember how much they retailed for and when they were actually made.

What is the quality like compared to an Elmo, Sankyo or Braun Stereo machines!?!

Posted by Mike Tynus (Member # 1108) on December 19, 2008, 05:01 AM:

The last listing I've seen was in 1980 for $850 U.S.
Never used one, though.

Posted by Terry Lagler (Member # 1110) on December 19, 2008, 08:18 AM:

There is some info on this unit here:
http://www.super8data.com/
Cheers
Terry

Posted by Dino Everette (Member # 1378) on December 19, 2008, 11:47 AM:

I have one of those and I do like it, but the picture does have some movement that often leads me back to my elmo 1200 HD

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on December 20, 2008, 03:07 AM:

Picture movement Dino? They are renowned for cam wear but this can be repaired - my own SS1200 was going to go in for this many years ago but I don't use it very often so hardly seemed worth it.

Robert, the SS1200 is a good Super 8 projector but suffers like most from too many plastic parts. I completely wore the main motor out on the first one I had and suffered scratching due to wear on just about all the plastic film guides. You'll need a slender 'Scope lens as the 1.3 zoom lens of the machine is set well back in the casing.

Retailed for £795 over here but this was when they were imported from Spain in the early 1990's (by Perry's). As far as I know they were never officially marketed in the UK by Chinon.

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on December 20, 2008, 03:38 AM:

Wasn't Chinon a Dixons brand? Or am I mistaking it for something else?

-Mike

Posted by Joerg Niggemann (Member # 611) on December 20, 2008, 04:05 AM:

Chinon Projectors were often sold in Germany by "Photo Quelle". The SS-1200 was available as "Revue lux sound 80" between 1979 and 81.

My own machine is used frequently and up to now there's no sign of wear. It's very reliable and delivers rock steady pictures.

If you need spare parts simply buy a cheap Chinon SP-330/350. These smaller models use the same film transport mechanism and many parts are exchangeable: Claw/cam mechanism, most of the film guide parts, sound head pressure pads (sound head only from SP-350).

Joerg

Posted by Dino Everette (Member # 1378) on December 20, 2008, 11:58 PM:

Ah good to know about the cam wear, is there a repair manual for these floating around anyone? And I am guessing that this is not something that you are familiar with fixing John?

Posted by Jose Artiles (Member # 471) on December 22, 2008, 01:55 AM:

Hi Dino!
You can buy a repair manual for the chinon ss-1200 from old timer cameras,they have one for sale in this moment.Fellows i still looking for a derann cover art for my print of "poltergeist" if someone can help will be much apreciated.
Merry Christmas to all the forum members.

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on December 22, 2008, 02:47 AM:

You're right Dino, not something I would consider having a go at myself.

Jose, I don't have the original Poltergeist box cover but we did print the one I have in a recent issue of 'smallformat' when we looked at the history of Kempski Super 8. Presumably you already have that but if you'd like the full quality original scan please email me. john(dot)clancy(at)bfcc(dot)biz

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