Posts: 36
From: Sale, Cheshire, UK
Registered: Oct 2010
posted November 23, 2010 07:29 PM
I am trying to resurrect my father's old but great condition Eumig P8 projector (it's the version with black plastic side cover for automatic threading).
It works great (mostly!) but ha the following issues:
The rear metal drive belt appears to be slipping meaning that the take up reel is moving intermittently causing bunching of the film on the take up reel. Is this because the metal belts have lost some of their tension with age? I so how can I make them more taut? Or is it due to a need to lubricate the projector somewhere inside?
Does the projector need any other lubrication - if so where and what oil should I use?
The rear take up spool is binding on the black plastic arm that delivers the film. How can I fix that? I have read elsewhere that the projector works just as well (if not better) with the side cover removed and that this is merely for the automatic feed - any opinions? Where can I get replacement bulbs? I don't know how old this one is (it might be the original!) but it can't last for ever...
Posts: 286
From: Dunfermline, Fife, UK
Registered: Jun 2008
posted November 24, 2010 03:32 AM
Hi Peter, I have a late P8 and they are terrific machines. Regarding the bulbs these varied over the life of the machine so you would need to confirm which model you have to work out which bulb you need. Marriott have posted up instructions for one variant http://www.marriottcameras.co.uk/instr01/eumig_p8/with_pictures.htm
Marriott also go over the other models to perhaps help you identify yours.
These instructions show lubrication points, though again your model may have different points, I think they would be marked with red dots. I'm not sure what the current wisdom is regarding best oil but hopefully someone will chip in about this.
You are right to be questioning the automatic mechanism. I have removed mine and I'm a lot happier manually threading.
Posts: 36
From: Sale, Cheshire, UK
Registered: Oct 2010
posted November 24, 2010 07:14 PM
Thanks for your reply John, that link to the Marriotts website is really useful. I think my dad has an newer model as it has a plastic take up reel and more plastic parts generally.
Have you ever had a problem with the metal belts slipping on your projector? I have toyed with the idea if cutting a few round of the spring belt off and making a new hook with the free end (effectively shortening the belt to increase tension) but am concerned that I might just end up making a total mess and wrecking it!
Posts: 286
From: Dunfermline, Fife, UK
Registered: Jun 2008
posted November 25, 2010 03:08 AM
Hi Peter, I would be loath to touch the metal belt in the first instance. From what you said about the autofeed exit chute onto the take up reel is it possible that this is contributing to the bunching? I would certainly try a film with the autofeed mechanism entirely removed. It would probably be a good idea to check the small rubber belt inside the projector and also oil the lubrication points too. I have the instructions for my projector somewhere (it's the 'Novo' version - written on the front facing plate). If this matches your machine let me know and I'll scan in the instructions, John
Posts: 36
From: Sale, Cheshire, UK
Registered: Oct 2010
posted November 25, 2010 07:34 PM
Hi John, yes the model I have is the P8 Automatic Novo. If you could scan the instructions for me that would be excellent thank you!
I agree any attention to the spring belts would be as a matter of last resort. I'll have a look at the lubrication points this weekend and also run through some film with the auto feed mechanism off.
Posts: 534
From: Gold Coast. Australia
Registered: Jan 2005
posted November 26, 2010 02:31 PM
Make sure the 2 spindle shafts are properly oiled to free them up. There is a tiny hole in both spindle shaft bushes at the top, which requires a few drops of sewing machine oil every so often. These spindle shafts get sticky from being dry & unused & are often reluctant to rotate smoothly. Once the oil gets into the bushes they should then rotate freely without slipping on the steel drive belts. Don't cut the belts unless its obvious that they are too loose. I havent found one that needs cutting. Good luck with the P8 Novo, they are the best Eumig P8 you can get.
-------------------- At Projector Heaven the Focus is always on Detail.
Posts: 36
From: Sale, Cheshire, UK
Registered: Oct 2010
posted November 28, 2010 08:01 PM
Thanks for your advice Frank - I'll let you know how I get one. I'm really keen to have this projector working like I remember from being a child and don't wan to risk anything that would damage it..
Posts: 286
From: Dunfermline, Fife, UK
Registered: Jun 2008
posted November 30, 2010 01:40 PM
Hi Peter, I have finally located the P8 Novo Manual and scanned it in (it's 5MB in size) - the lesson here is to know where you left it before you say you have one! Drop me an email at jake (at) johnross93 (dot) freeserve (dot) co (dot) uk
If your machine is like mine it will take a 100w 12v lamp (the Osram code I have is HLX64625 - no idea what the a1/ code is)