8mm Forum: First Post (with a couple of questions)!

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Posted by Jamie Biggs (Member # 3778) on June 19, 2013, 05:11 PM:

Hi everyone!

This is my first post as I’m just starting out in the world of 8mm film, so here goes!

I recently came across two 8mm projectors which belonged to my late Grandad, and seeing as I’m a bit of a movie geek, I was quite excited! They are a GAF 1200 Zoom and a Eumig Mark 501.

I’d be very grateful for any comments or tips anyone has for either of these, particularly the GAF as I can find next to no information about this model online, although the Eumig seems to be a more popular make. I have tried a film in the GAF projector, which after some teething problems did manage to play ok, although the picture was a bit jumpy in places. I’ve given the Eumig a good clean, and am just waiting for a new drive belt to arrive before I can give that one a go too!

I’d also be interested for any advice relating to a good film cleaner available in the UK. I’ve heard “FilmGuard” mentioned quite a lot, but have also read that some people have found it too greasy for a home user, so I wasn’t sure whether to give that a go or try something else!

Thank you!

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on June 20, 2013, 05:21 AM:

Hi Jamie!

Welcome to the 8mm Forum. Sorry I don't have info on those specific projectors, but I'm sure someone here will. Are they sound or silent? Do you have any super 8 films yet, home or commercial?

James.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on June 20, 2013, 06:55 AM:

When we were somewhat younger in the 1970’s wherever I used to see the little Gaf projectors I used to say when a lamp blew ‘He’s blown the Gaf’ a completely pointless piece of info for you there but fond memories.

I think you will find the 1200 model is a low cost silent super 8 projector which has a fixed speed on 18 frames per second, typical 100 watt 12 volt lamp and maximum 400ft spool size with a little front over I seem to remember. Don’t remember anything about the mains voltage but probably fixed at 240 due to the low cost of this projector at the time. Way back then my local cine shop used to sell Gaf products and could be seen littering the window along with ever popular Eumig machines.

The jumpy picture could be due to damaged film sprocket holes, also in that I don’t think the Gaf has a top drive sprocket? If you hunt hard enough you may locate some Thermofilm Cleaner (Red tin) which used to be available in the UK. It was very popular for many years and tins do pop up when someone sells up.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on June 20, 2013, 12:03 PM:

Jamie
Click on the two for some data.
http://www.super8data.com/database/projectors_list/projectors_gaf/gaf_1200.htm
http://www.super8data.com/database/projectors_list/projectors_eumig/eumig_mark_501.htm

Posted by Jamie Biggs (Member # 3778) on June 20, 2013, 04:06 PM:

Thanks very much for your comments and information. Was interesting to learn a rough age of the equipment from those links Maurice so thank you!

Both are silent projectors James. I only have the one Super 8 film at the moment which I bought on ebay to try the projectors out. It's a 2 x 200ft version of Laurel & Hardy's "Two Tars" by CineVision. I actually watched it again today on the Eumig as the new drive belt arrived, and it seemed to play much better than on the GAF. There were still a few jumpy sections, but not as many and strangely in different places than on the GAF, so maybe it's a combination of film and projector?

I'll definitely be getting some more film, and can see this can become quite addictive!! Hopefully I'll unearth some old family home movies as I remember my Grandad showing me them when I was little, but I suspect they are hidden somewhere in the loft!

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on June 20, 2013, 06:07 PM:

Jamie

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!! [Eek!]

CHEERS!

PatD [Cool]

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on June 20, 2013, 06:35 PM:

Welcome to the forum. Do you know the difference between 8mm and Super 8mm? Make certain you know the difference and always use the correct term.

Posted by Jamie Biggs (Member # 3778) on June 21, 2013, 04:28 PM:

Thanks for the welcome guys!

The difference between Standard 8mm and Super 8mm was the first thing I looked up as I didn't have a clue, but am glad to say I'm ok with it now! My Eumig projector can play both formats, so I may try a Standard 8mm film next to see how it goes.

Posted by Guy Taylor, Jr. (Member # 786) on June 21, 2013, 05:30 PM:

The very first projector that I ever had was a GAF super 8 silent projector. They are really kind of on the low end. I am not familiar with that particular model from Eumig, but I'm sure most everyone on the forum will agree that Eumig is a quality brand of product.

Posted by Erik Snel (Member # 4017) on December 07, 2014, 04:21 AM:

The eumig mark 501 is a wonderfull machine. when properly maintained it will never disapoint you

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