This is topic Bolex 18-5L - DIY Lamp Conversion in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.
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Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 26, 2014, 02:23 AM:
I bought a Bolex 18-5L a few months ago. These are great little Super 8mm silent projectors. Sturdy built...very quiet...very steady picture. However the one I got didn't have a power cord and it not only had that expensive spaceman bulb...but this bulb had a funky base you just can't find anymore. So I proceeded to rectify these issues.
First, I said the projector didn't come with a power cord...well that's not totally accurate. The previous owner had made a power cord with un-shielded wire connectors which proved to be an extremely dangerous solution. I replaced the connectors with shielded ones...but I still felt it wasn't safe. I had a 2-prong socket type plug from my Chinon 2500GL that I gave a try. WOW! It was a little tight but worked fine ... and much safer. I've ordered another 2-prong cord from Amazon to see if it will fit also.
Next to replace the lamp.
The lamp holder I got from a spare Sankyo 2000H and I fabricated the new raised base for the holder, by cutting a piece of sheet metal.
I only had a 50W bulb (it will take up to 75W)...but it was plenty bright.
Projected great!
[ September 26, 2014, 05:12 PM: Message edited by: Janice Glesser ]
Posted by Paul Mason (Member # 4015) on September 26, 2014, 04:10 AM:
Hi Janice,
That's an excellent neat lamp conversion you did. Thank you for showing us how to do it.
I also have an 18-5L which is a lovely compact, beautifully engineered projector. I was lucky, mine had already been converted or was a late factory fitted example with a 12V 75W mirror lamp. It is rumoured that some owners have fitted 12V 100W lamps without problems due to Bolex's generously rated transformer. However there is no need as it has plenty of light, 75W lamps are still readily available and an unnecessary risk to an old valuable machine.
One concern. My 18-5 has a socket on the power lead including a ground or earth connection. You will need the correct Bolex lead to provide a ground connection as the Chinon appears not to have this.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on September 26, 2014, 11:05 AM:
Yet another great piece of engineering work by the awesome Janice! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 26, 2014, 05:28 PM:
Paul Mason and Paul Adsett thank you for the nice comments. I post these little projects in hopes that it helps others and stimulates alternative solutions.
I received the new power cord today and with a little bending, stretching, and prodding of the socket with a screwdriver, I was able to get it to fit onto the prongs of the projector.
As far as I know this solution only works on the North American design of the Bolex 18-5L projectors. This projector has a 2-prong outlet with no ground.
Power Cord bought from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068OA6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
... with a little manipulation and persuasion the socket elements can be stretched to fit over the 2-prongs of the outlet.
Posted by John Richard Almond (Member # 2939) on September 26, 2014, 05:51 PM:
have a look in this thread please.
http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/
I have around ten of the spaceman bulbs so I dont think I will need to replace the lamp any time soon.
But your photo of the input socket looks different to mine. Like Paul says, there should be a contact on the plug to earth the machine.
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 26, 2014, 06:39 PM:
Hi John... Glad to hear you won't have any bulb issues. The US models of this projector ARE different. My solution relates only to the model I've shown. It's been discussed before in another thread that several US model projectors only have the 2-pin cords, e.g. Sankyo 1000 & 2000H, Chinon 2500GL, Keystone 2500....and others of this type. I realize a ground is safer, but that's the way these models were designed. For me...it's just not practical to change the outlet.
Here's a comparison photo of the CXR lamps I have. The two outer lamps are both labeled CXR and have the same base design. This bulb design although can be expensive... is still available. The bulb in the middle is the one that came with my Bolex 18-5L and if you look closely...you'll see it has a different base design... one not so readily available.
Posted by Terry Lagler (Member # 1110) on September 26, 2014, 09:37 PM:
Hi Janice
I hope I'm not hijacking this thread, but I thought this might be an interesting little addition. I just finished a test this evening and lo and behold I just saw your post!!
Last Sunday I bought a dozen standard 8 Laurel and Hardy's locally off Kijiji and the owner also gave me their "old" projector (Bolex 18-5). It too, was without the power cord but as I already have a nice working one with cord I though I might try a little conversion.
My mount is take from a trashed Sankyo 700 and and I tested it with a 50w dollar store lamp - worked well with slighty less light output, I'm assuming because it is a 12V 50W lamp.
I see there are EFM lamps rated at 8V 50W on Ebay - same as CXR's - might give that a try.
Was not too worried if it failed but early results are promising. This 18-5 has a 1:1.3 f=12.5 - 25mm zoom which was a plus since my "working 18-5 only had a fixed lens so I get a much bigger image now.
BTW - wonderful work Janice!
Cheers
Terry
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 26, 2014, 09:49 PM:
Looks really good Terry! Does your model take a 2 or 3 prong cord? You should look for an EFN bulb. It is 12V - 75W.
I only have a fixed lens on mine...a zoom would be much better. I'm keeping my eyes out for one
Posted by Terry Lagler (Member # 1110) on September 27, 2014, 10:08 AM:
Same configuration as yours Janice.
I will take your advice on the 75W lamp.
BTW your DIY method saved a few bucks!!
Cheers
Terry
Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 27, 2014, 11:09 AM:
Janice
Is this what you purchased?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hosa-Technology-8ft-PWC-178-Power-Cord-IEC-C9-to-NEMA-1-15P-Cable-PWC178-/251448198219?pt=US_Cables_Snakes_Interconnects&hash=item3a8b7b044b
If so, it might interest other owners who do not have a power cord. If an earth connection is required (UK etc) then a separate wire could be attached to a suitable point on the projector.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on September 27, 2014, 12:37 PM:
My 18-5 standard 8mm has only a 2-pin socket. No provision for a ground connection.
I love the easy manual threading and rear sprung gate design of this superb projector. The whole machine is so compact , quiet running, and beautifully made to the legendary Bolex quality.
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 27, 2014, 01:56 PM:
Yes, Maurice....that looks like the same cord. Hopefully it will work for you guys too If the prongs on your machine are the same size as on mine...then like I said with a little stretching and prodding you can make it fit.
Paul...I agree about the great quality of this little Bolex. It's a pleasure to run even though it looks like a 1950's toaster
[ September 27, 2014, 06:32 PM: Message edited by: Janice Glesser ]
Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on September 27, 2014, 07:00 PM:
Anyone looking to purchase one of these fine projectors should make certain they are getting the model with the halogen bulb, unless they are as creative and handy as Janice is. This is from the Bolex collector web site:
When first introduced, the 18-5L used an incandescent 12V 75W bayonet mounted bulb. (Phillips designation 13730C 04 RT44 - also referred to as the "spaceman bulb") After approximately 1970, the projector used a halogen lamp with a built-in dichroic filter. Bolex catalogs and advertising from 1970 offered a choice between the two types, and it appears that both versions were offered for a short time. Later advertising, however, only lists the 18-5L with halogen bulb. Halogen Lamp EFN Halogen Lamp Unfortunately, the 12V 75W incandescent lamp used on earlier models was discontinued in the 1980s. The modern equivalent of the Halogen bulb is the EFN 12V/75W, and is relatively inexpensive. From what I've been told, Bolex offered a bulb adapter for the incandescent version, but I don't have any more information than that. Chambless Cine Equipment offers a conversion that allows early 18-5L projectors to accept the EFN lamp.
For a compact, no frills reliable machine (with limited reel capactiy), these machines are hard to beat.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on September 27, 2014, 11:20 PM:
Janice, looks like you have the 4-slice model, whereas mine is the earlier 2-slice model. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 27, 2014, 11:45 PM:
Paul...mine's Super 8mm.
Posted by Paul del Rosario (Member # 4780) on April 22, 2015, 07:46 PM:
Hi. Yet another Paul here.
A friend of mine will soon present me with an 18-5L (without cord) from Germany. Does anyone know if the cable that Janice ordered from Amazon will fit? Also, do these things have built-in power converters? I see the little window on the side that indicates 220, 117, etc. with a knob to the side.
Any information appreciated.
Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on April 23, 2015, 11:45 AM:
Yes, Paul. You set it to the power you will be using.
Posted by Paul del Rosario (Member # 4780) on April 24, 2015, 07:30 AM:
Thanks, Barry.
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on August 24, 2017, 07:56 AM:
Great post that should be in the index!
______________
Dear Janice,
Please help! I just bought a Bolex 18-5 Super from a fellow in Ontario. Everything works great as far as i can tell, except the bulb
I will not buy a new bulb(Robby Robot CXR) but will wait until i can convert to halogen like you did... i am in no rush, but i am having trouble locating which parts i need and from where.
I realize you did this conversion a while ago, but perhaps you have some tips to save me a headache
Any help or tips on this machine is appreciated. Is there a service manual that shows the inside parts and schematics? i haven't found that either.
Thanx very much in advacne.
Matt
ps: I am so pleased with the cool soft purr sound this projector makes. it is so soothing however that i almost fall asleep watching silent films I only tried a couple before the bulb went .
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on August 24, 2017, 11:10 AM:
Hi Matthew...This conversion thread is already in the Technical Tips Index... Listed under Bolex.
http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011528
The conversion I did in the posts above used a lamp holder from a parted out Sankyo projector. However, I'm pretty sure you can do something similar using a QLV-1 socket. It could be mounted very much the same.
I have another 18-5 projector like yours that hasn't been converted yet. Hopefully I'll get around to converting it soon and I'll post the results. I plan on using the QLV-1 socket.
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on August 24, 2017, 01:09 PM:
sorry i missed it in the index.
I wish i had half the confidence to tackle these issues as you do Janice I'd love to shadow what you end up doing, again no rush! Maybe in the meanwhile i can order some parts to get ready. I see some QLV-1's listed on ebay. Where would you get yours?
It would be nice to fit this to work with the exact same bulbs as one of the elmos i have so as to share bulbs!
I would really like the one that just plugs in to the existing base and adapts to the EFN bulbs, but this is lazy, i know:
http://gyroscope.iwarp.com/bulb_sales_sheets/bolex18-5Ladapter.html
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on August 24, 2017, 01:49 PM:
Matthew...When replacing a lamp system you should use the same voltage and wattage as the original bulb. Is your projector a 12 volt or 8 volt? If it's an 8 volt you can only use the EFM 8v 50w MR16 bulb.
I don't think it's lazy to buy an adapter...just expensive ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
These were made for the 18-5L models. These projector were 12 volt lamp systems and the bulbs are no longer available. Hence...the conversion would use the 12v 75w EFN bulb. The EFN would not work in the 8 volt model. However...I don't see why the adapter wouldn't also work in an 8 volt system...just use the EFM bulb.
Posted by Will Trenfield (Member # 5321) on August 24, 2017, 04:45 PM:
I'm still experimenting, trying to find a cheaper alternative to the CXR lamp. I've found that a 12v 50w MR16 GU5.3 halogen bulb, as sold for household lighting, works on a Sankyo 1000 which has a 8v 50w power supply to the lamp. On some Eumig projectors such as the Mark 501, you had a choice between projecting at full or economy illumination. This was achieved, I think, by applying a reduced voltage to the lamp for the economy setting so a higher voltage bulb should work on a lower voltage supply providing it has the same wattage as the original lamp. These 12v 50w bulbs can be bought on eBay for as little as £2.35 post free and are said to last up to 5,000 hours.
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on August 25, 2017, 12:38 PM:
Janice, It looks like my machine takes the 8V50W Robbie Robot!
I guess i cannot modify to take the same bulbs as my elmos, which are 12V100W EFP.
That is fine. I was just hoping to make life easier.
I agree with using that adapter with the proper bulb.
Where can i get those parts to make that adapter? Thanx!
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on August 25, 2017, 01:22 PM:
The adapter you reference Mathew is a proprietary unit designed by Bolex. I don't know if these are still being produced. You either buy one off the website or try to find the parts off a junker machine. The projectors labeled 12V 75W will have this adapter. You can also try to find a bulb holder and socket from a junker Sankyo like I and Terry Lagler did...or use the QLV-1 as I mentioned before.
As far as the QLV-1 is concerned...I just look for the cheapest price + shipping. I have frequently bought off Ebay. I've used several of these sockets and sometimes someone is selling multiples for a good price. I usually get them for about $9-$10 a piece.
Yes...It's a little scary getting into one of these conversions...but as Jennifer Tilly said in "Let It Ride"..."Nothing ventured...Nothing ventured." ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
[ August 25, 2017, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: Janice Glesser ]
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on August 26, 2017, 09:15 PM:
Well, i took the plunge and bought a couple osram bulbs and a QLV-1 from ebay for the conversion.
Nothing ventured...nothing ventured!
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on September 01, 2017, 10:43 PM:
Well, with all parts now in house, and some elbow grease...
Success!!!
This worked out great following your advice Janice!. This is just a crude bracket i made, but it works enough for now.
So happy to have this working again!
Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on September 02, 2017, 01:18 PM:
Nice work Matt! I'm glad that it fit!
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 02, 2017, 02:13 PM:
Nice work Matt! I knew you could do it. Nice bracket retrofit there. I couldn't quite tell from the picture what the bracket was or how you attached it to the QLV-1. Could you explain a little more in detail and do you have another picture other than the closeup?
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on September 03, 2017, 06:32 PM:
Hi All,
The bracket in question Janice unfortunately I am unsure exactly what it is, i took it from my 'i may need this thing one day' drawer...if memory servers correct, it looks like i saved some parts from when i installed some blinds. The hook thing that you attach to the wall to wrap the blind pullstring around..this is what i believe this may be.
I used two pliers to bend it to follow the shape of the qlv-1
and then drilled to attached to the left over original bracket.
There is a problem however that must be mentioned before anyone wishes to proceed with this bracket.
Barry also asked me this question, so please be aware that
I cannot close the lamp cover completely. It is close, maybe out about 1/2 centimetre or so, but enough to prevent full closure. This allows some light to escape.
For us, this is still an improvement from using the expensive robot bulbs, but i think another bracket may be better in this unit. There is no room to 'shave-off' any metal from the bracket to suit unfortunately.
Lastly, I am finding that after just 1 or 2 films(400') shown, the case area gets extremely hot to me. I am used to the elmo and didn't have the original bulb working long enough to compare, but i am wondering if this may be why some people have chosen to try LED?
[ September 05, 2017, 08:20 AM: Message edited by: Mathew James ]
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 03, 2017, 09:34 PM:
Hi Janice
When I got mine it never had a power cord, however I did find one that fits and will provide you with an earth. All I know is that it is marked as coming from a Rollei projector. I have no idea if that means a movie or slide projector. The cord does fit and has three wires... live, neutral, and a green earth. Just to check the earthing, I put a meter across both the leads and from the projector itself to the earth terminal on the plug...its earthing alright. Anyway its the only lead I have found that fits the projector...must be rare..The earthing is the same as you would get, with many makes of electric jug...it slides against the earthing contact on the projector itself when pushing it in.
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 03, 2017, 11:10 PM:
Thanks Graham! This is very good to know Graham even if those cords are hard to find. It does offer an alternative if the original cord is missing.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 03, 2017, 11:32 PM:
Just after posting those photos Janice I came across what might be is the real thing. It fits like a glove and the spring loaded steel strips after checking with a meter it is indeed the earth.
I was surprised to come across this cable
The next time I am in town I will call into a electrical supplier with this sample and see if they are still made.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on September 04, 2017, 04:30 PM:
Yes please do post if you find a source for these cables Graham. I have a working cable for my 18-5, but it is not the real thing.
Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on September 04, 2017, 04:38 PM:
Did you try Bolex, Paul ? I know they are not cheap...
https://www.bolex.ch/NEW/index.php
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 06, 2017, 04:13 AM:
Just a quick update, unfortunately the folk I talked to at the electrical suppliers say they are not avaliable, and added that type of socket with that type of earthing are now illegal and have not been made in years. I think there was a certain amount of doubt, that with age etc that making a good earth contact might become a bit iffy.
I had another look around at the Heritage park today at the old projectors stored there, but so far I have been unable to find another one.
If I do find one "Paul" you can have it. I will keep an eye out for you, now I no what they look like.
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