8mm Forum: Recommend a projector

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Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 02, 2016, 12:02 PM:

I'm looking to purchase a Super 8mm projector. I've been investigating Elmo models, but I am disturbed by this reputation for scratching in the film path. What would be a good make and model that doesn't have this reputation? The projector is primarily for my own, silent, Super 8mm projects. Still I think I might want sound in the event I may come across a title I'd like to have that has sound. I'd like a decent throw distance, but it doesn't have to be super long. 99% of the time I would be throwing the picture a fairly short distance. Any advice appreciated.

Many thanks,

R.M.C.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on May 02, 2016, 12:30 PM:

Do you mind if i ask which model Elmo you use?

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 02, 2016, 01:02 PM:

My preferred choices for a guaranteed non scratching film path when all is how it should be, are Eumig S938/40, Bauer Studio Class projectors 525/ 610 etc and Beaulieu Stereo machines.
Also I believe Fumeo machines are very kind to film also.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, if it is a simple mono 100w lamp machine you are seeking with up to 600ft reel capacity, I can thoroughly recommend an Agfa LS or LS2 which has never scratched film either and can be obtained for very little money.
These are a Bauer designed and manufactured machine specifically made for the Agfa brand which of course, was synonymous with Super 8mm here in Europe just as Kodak was in the States and on a global scale.

These also have the unique design feature of being able to rewind through the gate a part projected film with no damage to film in doing so!

Also at this end of the scale, I have had experience using the more simpler designed Eumig mono model, the S932. This also appears to be extremely kind to film and will cost considerably less than a S938 if one could be found.

All models mentioned can be used globally as they have a voltage selector built in. Just not sure if the Agfa can handle a 60Hz supply and still give you the correct speed though due to it having an a.c. motor.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 02, 2016, 01:18 PM:

@TomPhotiou

The models I have been looking at are the Elmo ST-600, GS-800, and ST-1200.

@andrewwodcock

I will check those out!

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on May 02, 2016, 01:25 PM:

I am a fan of Sankyo projectors and they are readily available in the U.S. They are reasonably priced also. For silent, dual gauge, look for the 2000H. For sound, the 700 or 800 series.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 02, 2016, 01:25 PM:

Unfortunately Raleigh, I think most of the European models will be somewhat difficult to source in the U.S. but the Eumig models should be there if nothing else is easily found.

As Barry correctly points out, the Sankyo models like the 700 and 800 are easily found also on your side of the pond and these also are generally regarded as a good solid non scratch solution equally, though I've no experience with any of them personally.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 02, 2016, 02:52 PM:

Thanks Andrew, Barry.

P.S. Andrew, sorry I mucked up your name, AGAIN. [Confused]

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 02, 2016, 02:59 PM:

No worries pal, I've been called worse! Lol. [Wink]

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on May 02, 2016, 03:06 PM:

If you choose the 1200 Elmo try and get the 1200HD version, these have the improved lower roller set up. [Wink]

Posted by Tony Milman (Member # 7) on May 02, 2016, 03:32 PM:

I'd second the Sankyo if the Elmo isn't available. Very kind to film and quiet. The only slight drawback being the 800ft capacity.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on May 02, 2016, 03:54 PM:

good choice Tony, they do look very nice.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 02, 2016, 06:04 PM:

@tomphotiou

There is one called the ST-1200D.

I suppose not the same as the HD. What does the HD stand for, if you know?

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 02, 2016, 06:16 PM:

I don't know what these letters actually represent, but to say there are 3 variants.

ST1200, ST1200D and ST1200HD.
The vanilla and oldest model is the first. It generally is always available in mag/opt format and is a green coloured machine. It is mono only and is the first generation model of these with less rollers and refinement of the film path.
The D is mono machine also with a more powerful amplifier and a few other refinements and is silver coloured.
The HD is a later twin track model with an even more powerful amplifier and excellent sound,apart from the excessive wow and flutter sometimes experienced on all of these machines.

It has far more refinements to the film path and a few extra rollers etc.

Both the D and HD can be found in magnetic only and magnetic / optical variants.
Perhaps the vanilla one can be too, but all the ones I've seen and owned have been mag/ opt models.

There are far more detailed differences between all three variants, but this is it in a nutshell here.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 03, 2016, 09:45 AM:

Just picked up the Sankyo 2000H. I hope I'm happy with it! Thanks all for the knowledge sharing!

Will report back when I get it.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on May 03, 2016, 10:37 AM:

The Sankyo 2000H is a dual gauge silent projector. It does not have sound.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 03, 2016, 10:53 AM:

Yes, I am aware of that. I can do sound later down the road.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 06, 2016, 04:31 PM:

Got my Sankyo 2000H today, and I really couldn't be more pleased. It's a wonderful little machine that I am very impressed with. First, I was surprised by how small it was. Before I opened the inner box it was encased in, I actually wondered if I had been sent the wrong item! But this little machine is heavy and built like a tank! And so many features - safety features like the shutter won't open unless the film is properly loaded, to prevent heat damage to the film, Forward and reverse projection that can be continually speed adjusted during projection. Slow motion projection, and still frame projection that has a filter to prevent heat damage to the film during still frame mode. It is also, as Barry said, a very quiet projector (in comparison to others I have heard) when in normal projection mode. It's also in MINT condition. It was either rarely used or it was taken care of very well by a loving owner. It's a very well made machine, and I can understand why Barry is a fan of Sankyo projectors. I think I am too now!

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on May 06, 2016, 06:13 PM:

Glad you like the projector. If you don't know if the drive belt has been replaced, consider replacing it. The older belts turn to goo and will flick the goo around the inside of the projector. The goo can be pretty easily cleaned off with acetone, or naptha and Q Tips. Belts are available on Ebay. If you search threads here
you will find info on how to replace the belt. It is easy to do if you follow tips in the threads.

Posted by Will Trenfield (Member # 5321) on May 06, 2016, 06:53 PM:

I have a couple of Sankyo 1000s. Both needed new drive belts despite being described as working. Despite their age, they still look modern whilst my Eumigs from the same era look dated.

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on May 06, 2016, 07:33 PM:

Will, the 1000 is a nice projector but it uses the older, more expensive lamp. They did make a 1000H, but they are rare. The 2000H uses a halogen lamp that is inexpensive and readily available everywhere. If you ever get a chance to get a 2000H, I would recommend picking it up.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 06, 2016, 07:52 PM:

I'll ask the guy who sold it to me about that. He serviced it before he sold it to me. If you open it up it looks brand new on the inside. He cleaned it and put a brand new bulb in it. Don't know if he changed the belt. It runs perfectly though.

The only thing I find odd about this projector is the frame rate is adjustable from 14-22. 22??? I wonder why they stopped two frames short of 24 [Confused]

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on May 06, 2016, 08:04 PM:

The Sanyko 1000 is a silent projector. Sound films were typically recorded at 24fps.

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 06, 2016, 08:43 PM:

Yeah but some Super 8mm cameras have the ability to shoot 24fps, even silent ones.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on May 06, 2016, 09:19 PM:

That's true...but the question was why does the Sankyo only go to 22fps. This projector was marketed to run the majority of consumer level silent films.

Posted by Will Trenfield (Member # 5321) on May 07, 2016, 07:31 PM:

Barry, I've never come across a 1000H for sale. They were made around 1970 when the "Spaceman" lamps were in common use and probably cheap so there wouldn't have been much demand for the halogen version. The 2000H appears sometimes on eBay but I've been outbid every time. One day....

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on May 07, 2016, 08:13 PM:

Raleigh, shooting scenes at 24fps (when others are at 18 fps) allows you to reduce camera movments (of course there should not be people walking or such subjects, it is more for scenery travellings like scenes).

Posted by Raleigh M. Christopher (Member # 5209) on May 08, 2016, 11:57 AM:

Barry - I checked with the seller and he said the belt is in fact new! So happy with my purchase.

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