Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010
posted November 12, 2010 06:06 PM
I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive Super 8mm sound projector. Any recommendations from the forum? thanks for any help.
Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
posted November 12, 2010 07:50 PM
I have one of the Lesser Elmos, the ST-800. I got mine in 2003 and used it heavily until 2008, when it died. I liked it so much that I found another ST-800 that had been dropped on the floor when it was pretty new and took the best parts from both and built what is basically a new machine.
It isn't stereo, it doesn't have a 250W lamp, it doesn't have sixty zillion buttons, knobs and LEDs. What it has is a decent picture and nice sound...isn't that the bottom line after all?
I think if you can find an ST-800 or ST-600 in good shape it will serve you well.
-------------------- All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...
posted November 13, 2010 02:25 AM
The Sankyo 500 is a very good basic machine that doesn't have all of the extra bells and whistles - They are very gentle on film and are reliable work horses - You can't go wrong with a Sankyo 500
Posts: 4001
From: New Zealand
Registered: Feb 2006
posted November 13, 2010 02:57 PM
If you cant get a stereo machine I would recommend a dual track projectors like the "later" Elmo ST600, ST180 or ST1200HD, make sure that they are "dual track" that will at least give you the chance to record/playback on either tracks one or two or both. Derann did produce a number of stereo prints over the years, a dual track machine will add both those tracks together, although it will still be only mono sound but at least they are both added and not just the restricted to the one. Other than those machines the very early ST1200 "main single track only" is very reliable and if you can pick up a good one it will last for years
Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003
posted November 15, 2010 11:05 AM
quote:relatively inexpensive Super 8mm sound projector.
I think you should say a sort of a price range for translating "inexpensive".
"inexpensive" is a relative, but when you say a projector between $40-$60 or $100-120, I believe more inputs will be given here that is close to your budget range.
Except for Sankyo 500, the above projectors are around $100-$120 and $200-$250 (for Elmo ST1200) sound magnetic only. regards,
Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010
posted November 19, 2010 10:34 AM
Yes I will elaborate 'relatively inexpensive'. I was hoping not to pay more than $250 including shipping for a Super 8 sound projector. Still looking.
Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003
posted November 19, 2010 12:07 PM
Thanks Richard,
Practically you can still get a standard Elmo ST1200 (twin track) for that price (magnetic only) or Sankyo 800 (stereo).
I am going with Elmo anyway.
However, if you don't bother with the twin track facility and 1200 feet capacity, you can go for Elmo ST-800 for a quarter of your budget (or a little less)
Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010
posted November 19, 2010 01:38 PM
Thanks Winbert
I wish I knew where I could get the Elmo St 800 or 600 for that price. Right now they seem to sell on Ebay for 200 bucks plus shipping. If you know of another place to buy I would appreciate any leads. Thanks
Posts: 44
From: Fort Smith, AR, USA
Registered: Jul 2010
posted November 19, 2010 02:09 PM
It seems like the ST-600, ST-800, and ST-1200 all sell for around the same price. I sold my ST-600 and was able to buy a ST-1200 and have some money left over.