8mm Forum: Elmo FP-C vs Sankyo Dualux 2000-H

This is topic Elmo FP-C vs Sankyo Dualux 2000-H in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Tom Spielman (Member # 5352) on December 21, 2016, 09:12 AM:

I already have a nice Sankyo 2000-H and from I understand it's a pretty well regarded silent projector.

There's an opportunity to pick up an Elmo FP-C along with some other photographic/cinematic equipment for very little money. The Elmo is really the only thing that potentially interests me and I have no idea what condition it's in. It is a little bit of a journey even to take a look at it.

There's really no reason for me to keep both so I'd likely sell one of them if I did buy it.

People on this forum seem to really like Elmos but maybe that just applies to the higher end sound models? The only apparent advantage I can see over the Sankyo is that it can run at speeds over 24 fps where the max for the Sankyo is 22. That is somewhat appealing to me since I'd like to shoot some film at 24 fps in the near future.

On the other hand, the Sankyo is a much newer machine and I trust it.

So, anyone familiar with both projectors have any thoughts?

Thanks !

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on December 21, 2016, 09:57 AM:

I have no experience with the Elmo, but I have owned a 2000H for many years and really like it. From comments on this forum and elsewhere, other owners feel the same way.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on December 21, 2016, 11:00 AM:

I own both and if you have to keep just one...it's definitely the Sankyo. In my opinion there is no comparison in regards to ease of use and economy...the Sankyo wins hands down. The Elmo FP-C is much older... uses the expensive tube-like bulbs...not as quiet running...and very heavy. Switching from Std. 8mm to Super8 format on the Sankyo is done with a flick of one switch...while on the Elmo FP-C you have to remove the front cover and disengage the top or bottom gear by pressing a very stiff button which often jams. I have also found on the several FP-Cs I have been bought that the lenses are susceptible to clouding and fungus. I have been to clean the lenses...but in the case of fungus...it will return.

Don't get me wrong...the Elmo is a great vintage projector in regards to historic significance and quality of workmanship. I love it as a collector. However for practicality and usability...The Sankyo is a much better projector.

Posted by Tom Spielman (Member # 5352) on December 21, 2016, 12:22 PM:

Thanks for the information. I will probably pass on it then. It would be a 3 hour drive, there and back.

It appears the only reason to buy the items would be to fix/clean them up and sell them again. Not that I'm opposed to doing that, but given the number of household projects we have, it's probably not the best use of my time.

On the Van-Eck site, it looks the replacement bulb they sell for that Elmo is a halogen. I'm assuming the conversion is pretty easy then? If I were to refurb that projector, do buyers prefer that the projector remain in original condition or would they appreciate the halogen bulb? Not likely to get my money back on that kind of thing anyway, but I'm just curious.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on December 21, 2016, 02:10 PM:

My research online seems to indicate that the Elmo FP-C uses the DCA lamp, it's possible that Van Eck have got it wrong.
Perhaps Janice could confirm.
Here is a link to the lamp which I think is used.
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/dca~ansi.html

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on December 21, 2016, 02:17 PM:

Tom the Elmo FP-A Deluxe and Slow-Motion have an EJM halogen bulb, but it has a different socket and lamp holder and a larger heat cover to accommodate the larger elements. Van-Eck may be carrying the bulbs for that model in addition to the standard DCA bulb. You would have to DIY a socket/holder to hold the lamp at the proper level with the gate opening. I don't classify this as an easy conversion.

The choice to buy a projector with a lamp conversion depends on the needs of the buyer. A person just buying it as a collector may prefer it to be in it's original state...however, someone actually using it to run film may be thrilled to have it come with a more modern...less expensive light system.

[ December 21, 2016, 04:07 PM: Message edited by: Janice Glesser ]

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on December 21, 2016, 06:54 PM:

I've recently won a Sankyo dualux 2000H and I am impressed with it.
As Janice said it's a flick of a switch to change from Standard to Super.
It has a zoom mode and a nice bright picture and easy to operate.
My projector projects up to 24fps according to the manual.
Small and compact so I am going to use mine for Super 8mm silents from now on.

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