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Topic: Chinon projectors opinion.
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Mike Peckham
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1461
From: West Sussex, UK.
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted March 08, 2013 03:24 AM
When Derann ran a film library, they stopped renting films to owners of the Chinnon 330 as films were being returned badly scratched. Chinnon commented on this in Movie Maker magazine at the time, stating that the problem was not with their projectors, but with the films being run through them!
They explained that the gate in the 330 was made to very high tolerances but was not side sprung, so provided the film run through it was split to equally high tolerances there shouldn't be a problem. The problem with commercially produced package movies was that their width varied, albeit by a fraction of a milimeter, but when the film was wider than the gate it would bow and then become scratched.
Camera Film was split to much higher tolerances and didn't become scratched, just package movies...
I had a 330 once, I certainly wouldn't want to run any package movies through another one.
Mike ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
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Auntie Em must have stopped wondering where I am by now...
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Joe Balitzki
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 529
From: Charleston, SC, USA
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted March 08, 2013 06:35 AM
With many (most) auto threading projectors, running a print in reverse is asking for trouble as its likely the film will be scratched or worse. I own a Chinon 9500 which before their Stereo model was the top of the line. I purchased it barely used in like new condition with its original box, packing, manual, and accessories. So far, I have not had any problems with it but I keep it clean and if the gate becomes worn it won't be used anymore. It has quite a few desirable features and a 150W lamp. However, while some parts are easily cleaned the gate is not one of them. I own several Elmo machines in both Super 8mm & 16mm. They are kind to film and easy to clean. Removing a print midway through a viewing is relatively easy but must be done carefully. Your best bet is to get a Elmo that has been checked and overhauled. The 1200 series are workhorses and have nice lenses available for them. The large reel capacity will spoil you. Having said that, some prefer the GS Stereo series. However, besides being expensive if they need service it will become costly to own. There are many features on them so there is more that can go wrong. They are Nice if you can afford them and the cost of maintenance. But your best value overall is the 1200 series. Just remember that some plastic parts may wear and eventually cause scratches so you do need to check them periodically. But the Gate on a Elmo is metal and it swings open for easy cleaning. The only other machine I would consider is a high end Sankyo like their Stereo 800. But you need the accessory lens for it to get a nice Bright picture and those are not easily found. High End Eumig machines are desirable but on this side of the pond they are not easily found. And its easier to obtain parts and service for Elmos. Finally, just the other day I had a long phone chat with a repairman who has owned just about every brand ever made for Super 8mm. His machine of choice and what he uses is Elmo. I almost forgot: if you ever plan to run CinemaScope prints its easier to mount the lens on a Elmo and some models can be fitted with a 2 Bladed Shutter for more light on the Widescreen. Yes, its a matter of personal choice and opinion. But many of us "Old Timers" have a Elmo or more than one!
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Movie Lovers Do It in the Dark
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Elyas Tesfaye
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 520
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Registered: Nov 2012
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posted March 08, 2013 08:17 AM
WOW!!! I'm glad to hear this post has become so popular. For the record, I got my Chinon almost brand new as well and so far, haven't had any problems with it, thank God! But thanks to all you nice folks' feedbacks, I will be keeping an eye out for it to maintain its 'A game'. Also, I'm eyeing an Elmo 1200 series at the moment and might go for it, provided I have the doe, of course lol. Thanks again, good people, and hope y'all are havin an awesome start to the weekend ![[Smile]](smile.gif) !!!
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UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
... I wanted to see if anybody else doesn't think they are good machines either. I was happy with mine but being a newb, I bet I might just be misinformed. Please comment and thanks again ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
... By the way, add me to the list of people that haven't had any problems with their Chinons, if anything, I find that mine is very tolerant of some bad films with splices from hell and then some I get every once in a while on ebay. More screen shots coming soon to the 8mm review, of course played on my Chinon SP 330MV. Thanks y'all and have a great weekend 
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