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Author
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Topic: Problems with Elmo Projector
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Jane Mecham
Film Handler
Posts: 7
From: Berea, Ky
Registered: Mar 2013
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posted April 11, 2013 08:17 AM
You are correct. This projector has been modified for video transfers. I am a professional videographer with a special interest in video biography & documentary. I use a lot of old photos, and video with my work.
In the past I didn't use a whole lot of 8 mm film and what I did use, I just projected on the screen the old-fashioned way and filmed it from there. Lately I have had more projects involving 8mm film and wanted to find a more effective means to transfer. This unit, paired with my video camera, does a nice job and produces a clear image for transfer to DVD without the need for a completely darkened room. I like the dimmer because I can compensate for over-exposed or under-exposed film.
I now realize that adjustments are inevitable over time, and I really need to learn how to do it myself. The problem is, I bought the unit from ebay and communication with the guy is somewhat difficult. I could visit his store in Michigan, but I'd like to save myself a trip, if possible. Thought I'd try here first.
[ April 12, 2013, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: Jane Mecham ]
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Jane Mecham
Attic Light Studios
"There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part. So just give me a happy middle and a very happy start"
~Shel Silverstein
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Douglas Meltzer
Moderator
Posts: 4554
From: New York, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted April 11, 2013 11:05 AM
Jane,
Welcome to the Forum!
Threading problems normally begin with the upper sprocket not engaging the film properly, however if the film does thread up successfully on occasion then I doubt there is a problem with the claw, the sprocket wheels or the gate. Please excuse me for saying something very basic, but the K100 is a dual 8mm projector, so the first thing of course is to make sure that its been set for the proper film format. Second basic point is to use the film trimmer located on the bottom front of the projector. Elmos can be particular about engaging that first frame going in, so if the leader hasn't been cut using the Elmo trimmer, it could give you that jumpy look you describe, which basically is a result of improper loop size. When that happens, does using the loop restorer work?
Doug
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I think there's room for just one more film.....
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Jane Mecham
Film Handler
Posts: 7
From: Berea, Ky
Registered: Mar 2013
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posted April 11, 2013 02:32 PM
Doug, thank you so much for your reply. I don't mind very basic responses as something like not having it set properly would be easy to overlook. Yes, I've made sure the projector is set for the proper film format. I don't believe this particular Elmo model has a loop restorer. I do have an Elmo Super 8 projector that does have a loop restorer, so I am somewhat familiar with it. I have noticed that using the Elmo trimmer is essential on properly engaging the film. Lately, after trimming, I've tried presenting the film at different angles, and everything else I can think of to get it to engage, but it works only rarely. Usually it will work a couple of times and then quit. After that, nothing I do seems to work. I can feed it all the way through, but whenever I do that, the film is really jumpy.
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Jane Mecham
Attic Light Studios
"There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part. So just give me a happy middle and a very happy start"
~Shel Silverstein
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Jane Mecham
Film Handler
Posts: 7
From: Berea, Ky
Registered: Mar 2013
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posted April 12, 2013 10:48 AM
OK, I think we're getting closer. Yes there is a wheel that is supposed to push the film through (Labeled J in the pictures in my first post). It will turn sporadically and then stop. It suddenly started spinning this morning and the film loaded beautifully, then the wheel slowed and stopped and wouldn't spin at all. It kind of seems like something is blocking it, but I can't for the life of me figure out what it is. I checked the back of the unit that has the gears that turn it, but they seem fine, and the belt seems OK. Jim, I'm not really sure what you mean by a loading switch, but there is a little piece that flips up against the wheel when I turn the knob to load. When I turn the knob all the way so the projector lights up, it releases. I've tried adjusting it so there is not so much tension (even to where it isn't flipping up at all) and it doesn't make a difference. Film path is clear.
I just removed the cover unit of the wheel to see what was going on. I assume the post I've got pictured is what turns the wheel, but it doesn't turn at all when I turn the machine on. It also won't turn when I try manually. I also uploaded a few pictures of the corresponding post from the back of the unit.
[ April 12, 2013, 12:51 PM: Message edited by: Jane Mecham ]
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Jane Mecham
Attic Light Studios
"There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part. So just give me a happy middle and a very happy start"
~Shel Silverstein
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