8mm Forum: Bell & Howell DCT Filmsonic Projector

This is topic Bell & Howell DCT Filmsonic Projector in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=009160

Posted by Wayne Maginn (Member # 4269) on May 09, 2014, 04:01 AM:

Hi guys,

I am new to the forums and I must say it looks a great place to learn from!

I recently purchased a Bell & Howell DCT Filmsonic 8mm projector and all seems to be in great shape. The guy who owned it was in his 80s and had only used it a couple of times since it was bought decades ago.

The only unfortunate thing was that it was lacking the original manual. Does anybody have scans of the manual they could email me or a link to a free resource please?

The only 8mm projector I have ever used was my Dad's many years ago and it was a different model (and I only used it twice). The one I just purchased is in great condition and I want to ensure I don't damage it or any reels I put through it. But I am unsure of threading it and also the rewind functions.

Currently, I have played two reels on it: it threaded automatically (once I realised I had to hold a button down or it would collect all the film in the inner workings that is!) but I was a bit paranoid and had the side cover off, which I think is causing it to miss a wheel (or two).
As for the rewind capability, I use what I believe to be the rewind option and it makes a huge racket doing so (like a nasty grinding). The film is also looking a little kinked every few inches as a result. If I remove the front reel from the winder though, the noise disappears (even though the front winder wheel turns smoothly...I am unsure why the noise occurs?).

I also bought a Prinz Oxford 1200 Editor and a Projection screen as part of the package and I am really chuffed with it all. Just wanting to look after it all now and could really do with some advice on the issues and, if possible, scanned pages of the original instruction manual.

Any help would truly be appreciated...thanks!

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on May 09, 2014, 06:15 AM:

Wayne
Here is a link to manuals, both operating, and instruction. Regretfully, they are not free, but I can wholeheartedly recommend this company.
http://www.oldtimercameras.com/stock/Model.asp?Model=1216&ModelPage=true

Posted by Maurizio Di Cintio (Member # 144) on May 09, 2014, 07:17 AM:

I can't help with the manual but to get rid of that noise during rewind, you can avoid using the "rewind option", just have the projector run in reverse and let the film rewound. This will cause the spindle to excise less torque on the reel but this will only result in 1-2 mins longer rewinding (in case of 240' reels).

Posted by Wayne Maginn (Member # 4269) on May 09, 2014, 08:29 AM:

Thank you Maurice...and grazie mille Maurizio...I will give those a try!

In the meantime though, if anyone happens to have a manual for this machine and are willing to make some quick page scans, I would really appreciate the help. Affording to buy one is always possible but with 4 kids, a self-financed Autism support group to run and materials to locate and purchase for a couple of ongoing book projects...it may take me a while to grab one!

Besides, if anyone lives near Cheltenham and is willing to scan their B&H DCT manual for me (or even pop by with it) I have a Cinrex (I think) projector to gift them for their time (it was working when I got it a while back but I neglected to turn a switch a certain way before turning it on and nothing turns the reels now...a snapped belt perhaps?). Anyway, I know those projectors are not held in high esteem, but it is boxed and easily fixable I am sure and free to anyone nearby who wants to pop over with their manual for 10 minutes and take this Cinerex home with them!

Posted by frank arnstein (Member # 330) on May 11, 2014, 07:03 AM:

Hi Wayne

I have found a manual here for a DCR Bell and Howell.
Not sure what the difference is between this and a DCT.
The machines look very similar but they must differ some how.
Let me know if its suitable after you research it.
I will scan and email this if its any good to you.

Dogtor Frankarnstein [Smile]

Posted by Steve Carter (Member # 4821) on May 13, 2015, 09:25 AM:

I can scan a copy of my DCT manual for any-one who needs it...

Posted by Maurizio Di Cintio (Member # 144) on May 22, 2015, 12:25 PM:

Hello, Steve. PM sent. Thank you.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2