8mm Forum: Bell & Howell projector problem

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Posted by Paul Schmahl (Member # 2371) on December 28, 2010, 06:05 AM:

We inherited a Bell & Howell Regent Design 122 model L and decided to get it out and watch some home movies,well it worked fine for the first reel but then gradually needed more help to get the reels turning by manually turning the feed knob. Feels like something is slipping but there doesn't appear to be a belt anywhere. Upon opening the machine up I couldn't see any obvious problem. Please help...Thank-You in advance.

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on December 28, 2010, 12:27 PM:

HI Paul

If there are no belts in ther unit there may be "drive tires" around the wheels that run the take up reel. It's a piece of rubber aroung a metal wheen that rubs against another wheel to turn the take up reel. If this slips , then the film doesn't wing and ends up on the floor! These are replaceable. If you need them just post a note in "Wanted" section. I hope this helps you.

Happy New Year!

Pat DAlessio

Posted by Paul Schmahl (Member # 2371) on December 29, 2010, 07:28 AM:

This projector seams to have a fiber type drive wheel with two types of springs that hold it tight to metal drive pulleys, wondering if the fiber wheel or the springs have lost the tension that is needed. Maybe fiber wheel has gotton smaller with age ? When it can be helped to run by turning the manual drive knob it is easily stopped by touching the turning reel.

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on December 29, 2010, 07:29 PM:

Paul

Run it with the back off and check the fiber type wheel. You may be able to shorten the tension springs to create more traction so the take up reel whill turn even when full.

Pat

Posted by Paul Schmahl (Member # 2371) on December 31, 2010, 06:05 AM:

I wish I could run it with the back off but it is not possible with this style projector. I was hoping that somebody on this forum had this same projector or worked on one and would tell me of the easy fix...Ha Ha wishful thinking. Don't get me wrong
Mr.DAlessio because I do appreciate your help. Thanks again Paul

Posted by Jon Addams (Member # 816) on December 31, 2010, 12:52 PM:

Hello Paul,

You can find a service manual for your Bell & Howell here:

http://www.texsales.com/proddetail.php?prod=SM3200

Jon

Posted by Paul Schmahl (Member # 2371) on December 31, 2010, 06:07 PM:

I think I found the problem...In order to slow or speed the film, it has like a brake pad that rubs on the fan housing that is adjusted as film speed control. Basically putting a drag on the motor anytime the speed is brought down, with the age of the motor you can see how it would be affected. Thanks for the help ...Paul

Posted by Richard Bock (Member # 1926) on January 02, 2011, 04:30 PM:

I have two of these projectors and really like them. They don't run on belts at all but gears. It's possible that a gear is out of place in the mechanism. These can be scene by unscrewing the screws on the arms but place the projector flat on a table so that the gears don't come out. Email me and I can perhaps help you find the problem. I've had some experience opening up the 122 Regent projector for fixing.

Posted by Paul Schmahl (Member # 2371) on January 02, 2011, 05:03 PM:

I opened up the front arm area more than once and even greased all of the gears. I have come to the conclusion that the motor is worn out, because when I take the reals off it will run in both directions but as soon as the reels are put back on it labors to turn them.

Posted by Richard Bock (Member # 1926) on January 02, 2011, 06:01 PM:

Yes that is entirely possible the motor is just tired. This projector is probably 60 years old. You can get them cheaply on Ebay. There seems always to be a few of them around. Problem is the bulb, The DAR bulb is not so easy to find, but I've found a place to get them.

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