8mm Forum: Elmo Comparison Question

This is topic Elmo Comparison Question in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on October 05, 2015, 11:40 AM:

Which Elmo unit would be the best choice for just showing film and not doing any re-recording or dubbing or mixing.? Just simple viewing ?

Posted by Joseph Randall (Member # 4906) on October 05, 2015, 11:50 AM:

Any of the ST-1200 models. I like them because of the 150 watt lamp and 1200 foot capacity.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on October 05, 2015, 02:56 PM:

100% the 1200 range, there are always some for sale somewhere, if you can get the ST1200HD all the better.

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on October 05, 2015, 06:05 PM:

I've tried searching the forum, but couldn't find any threads that give distinct differences between the various models (i.e. GS, ST, etc.). Does the number after the letters denote take up reel capacity? I don't have any film on larger than 400' reels. All the units I've owned always had a 600' take up reel.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on October 05, 2015, 06:23 PM:

Yes Brad, the numbers refer to the reel capacity : ST 1200 : 1200 ft, GS 800 : 800 ft, GS 1200 : 1200 ft and so one. If you want more détails, there is the super8data.com site but it is down at the moment (that happened in the past and it came back).

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on October 05, 2015, 06:34 PM:

Super-8 Wiki is basically the same data:

Super-8 Wiki: Projectors

Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on October 05, 2015, 07:16 PM:

The trick that helped me as well Brad is to know that the model numbers are listed in both meter and feet versions depending on whether it is European or North American versions, i believe.
For example, The St180 is the same as the 600 capacity-wise. 180 Meters=600 feet.
I have the St180E and the ST1200HD. I love both. Even the 180E would be good for what you require, but you did ask what was the 'best choice' so then, I would agree with the statements above. The St1200HD is wonderful.
Cheers,
Matt

[ October 05, 2015, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: Mathew James ]

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on October 05, 2015, 07:20 PM:

I just love this place! Ask a question and WHAM.... The answers just poor in. I truly appreciate all the input. This is so awesome. What are your thoughts on Elmo 16mm units?

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on October 05, 2015, 07:41 PM:

This is THE most visited, respected and informative of all of the forums Brad.

You will always get an educated, well advised and experienced response on here from one of many extremely knowledgeable members of the forum. I am glad you like it!

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on October 06, 2015, 01:30 AM:

Matthew, I believe the example you gave (the ST 180) is the only case of the ST/GS series with numbers refering to a meters lenght. The GS 1200 was sold Under that reference in Europe (the only difference, voltage setting aside) seems to be the lenght of the projector itself ( a few centimers longer for the US version).

Posted by Paul Suchy (Member # 80) on October 06, 2015, 07:08 AM:

Brad, As far as 16mm goes, the Elmo CL machines are wonderful workhorses that are simple in design and easy to run. There are many available with new rollers installed for about $300.00 which should last many years. I had an Elmo AL16 once and the best feature on that machine was it automatically shut off when the film ended (much like a reel tape deck). I wouldn't recommend the AL because the functions are electronic buttons that are difficult to replace, but the CL has a basic knob to run and rewind your film.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on October 06, 2015, 07:16 AM:

Not that I know anything at all about 16mm machines because I don't Brad, but what I can say is the CL is a slot loader just in case that makes any difference to your preferences.

I know some people prefer manual, auto etc.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on October 06, 2015, 11:49 AM:

I love the ELMO 16CL for its simplicity. I have three of them... one permanently set up in my cine room... one for my outdoor screenings... in one for my telecine work. I did have to install new rollers on one of the machines. The rollers cost about $100, but are well worth it and easy to install. I think it's a great choice if you are just getting into 16 millimeter.

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on October 09, 2015, 02:37 PM:

What do the "G" and "S" denote? The "T" I'm guessing is for "track"? Can't seem to figure it out even looking through old catalogs.

Posted by Steven J Kirk (Member # 1135) on October 10, 2015, 07:41 AM:

Not sure the GS and ST prefixes have been worked out as to meaning.

On deciding, work out whether 100w or 150w lamp is required or more. That will point you to the machine. If you only need a 3 to 4 foot wide picture in a room where the distance to the screen is maybe 10 to 15 feet then 100w is okay. The best Elmo with the 100w lamp would be the GS 800. Any bigger requirement then it's the ST1200 or GS 1200, and so on.

Posted by James Wilson (Member # 4620) on October 10, 2015, 09:25 AM:

Let`s hear it for the Sankyo DCM or DCT.
Sorry misread is it only Elmo's.

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on October 10, 2015, 10:31 AM:

Jim...You're fine, Mate. a thread often starts off as one singular topic, but I never mind if others take us on a different journey. Now, back to the topic at hand... I prefer a 150w bulb so I guess the ST model is what I'd be looking at when the time comes. Janice, I have heard from others that the Elmo Slot Loads are truly nice units (yes, I prefer a slot loader - easier to remove film that gets jammed). Jim, you're not the only one who has had nice things to say about Sankyo projectors. They remind ma a lot of the Chinons back in the day.

Posted by Steven J Kirk (Member # 1135) on October 10, 2015, 11:50 AM:

I believe the Elmo ST 1200, Sankyo Stereo 800, Beaulieu 708 AND the Eumig S938 stereo all take that same 150w halogen lamp and these all have a good reputation. I haven't had the Sankyo myself. I can recommend the Eumig, though. Some say it is a bit plasticky but stylish and can be got at good prices.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on October 10, 2015, 04:39 PM:

You missed out one of the very best players there Steven! [Smile]

Maybe on purpose,but which ever way the Bosch should never be overlooked I reckon!

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