8mm Forum: Projector Stand Advice

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Posted by Bernard C. G. Pritchard (Member # 631) on September 23, 2017, 07:27 AM:

I've searched the forum for this subject, and having not found such content, hope that it's not been addressed before (in which case, apologies).

I have always used a traditional, four-legged, two-tier, folding stand for my projectors. I'm aware that the sheer weight and bulk of the recently acquired GS-1200 now feels a bit top-heavy, though seemingly fairly stable.

Can anyone kindly recommend or provide preferences for such stands? Are the flat-based, single-column models better for such a beast? Also, does anyone recommend adding any flat, dense material to the base directly beneath the projector to insulate sound?

Many thanks for advice; as ever, any ideas greatly appreciated!

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 23, 2017, 08:22 AM:

Bernard
Here's something which would be ideal for you.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Karba-Portable-Projector-Stand-Folding-Cine-Home-Movie-Cinema-16mm-Super-/322755027816?hash=item4b25b2e368:g:0esAAOSwSnFZo-KO

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 23, 2017, 10:47 AM:

I only ever use a standard two tier projector stand and I use some of the heaviest Super 8mm projectors ever made, though of course nothing like the weight of the mighty Fumeo 9145.

I've never had any issues whatsoever using a standard stand with any of the machines I've ever owned and I know of other collectors who use the GS 1200 on a regular projector stand without any bother also.

I don't believe the GS 1200 is heavy enough to NEED a projector stand ordinarily designed for 16mm machines.

Posted by Melvin England (Member # 5270) on September 23, 2017, 11:23 AM:

Although it is not supposed to be a projector stand ( I think )but the furniture company IKEA do a corking 3-tier wooden stand that is ideal for a GS1200. It is 123cm high, 45 cm wide and 30cm depth.The second tier is halfway up the stand, ideal for storing the next film to be projected, and the third tier is on the bottom..... just don't forget to buy the two metal rods that are needed to stop it rocking!

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 23, 2017, 04:26 PM:

Bernard all the projector stands that I have come across to buy in my view are rubbish. The GS1200 is a very heavy projector as you say and what I did was to build my own fold up one, with a much wider base than the stuff you can buy.

What I suggest if you dont have a welder, is to approach some place that does a bit of light engineering and talk about what you want out of a projector stand and the cost of them welding up a steel frame for you. Its real easy and quick for someone with access to steel tubing and welding gear to do it for you. Painting it and placing a wooden base you could do youself. The one I made can take two projectors no problem. One being the GS1200 the other 16mm and with a wide base its very stable [Smile]

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 23, 2017, 05:31 PM:

In what aspect do you feel the purpose designed stands are rubbish Graham?

I have to say, the one I use I've had since buying my first digital projector in 1998, has never caused me even a moment of concern.

It's lightweight, flat foldable and more than strong enough to take the Super 8mm projectors all except the 9145, with consummate ease.

The table top footprints are also perfectly sized to accept our machines and even an LPU on top if anyone desires.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 23, 2017, 05:52 PM:

The base is not wide enough for good stability plus there lightweight construction I dont like. Although they can take the vertical weight...just..they are top heavy with a GS1200 on it, all you need is someone to bump it and the hole lot will go flying. [Eek!]

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 23, 2017, 06:00 PM:

I haven't found any of this to be the case Graham, but of course, maybe there are different types and build qualities of these things?

Mine was one of the latest made from Jessops while they still stocked such items and was advertised as a deluxe projector stand when I opted for it.

It was unusual to find one all in black including the table tops and this was what partly attracted me to it in the first instance. That and the fact it was very sturdy when I went to view it in the store prior to purchasing.

I was suitably impressed by it overall and haven't been disappointed by it in use since.

I use it still for all my projectors including my digital type but side on and levelled on the screw for those.

I honestly find it perfect for my needs in and around the home.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 23, 2017, 06:12 PM:

Sounds good Andrew...my thinking goes way back to when I used to put on away from home film shows, where even for extra projector stand safety I used to tie the speaker extension cables around some solid furniture next to the projector stand, just in case wee Jonny trips over and to avoid bringing the hole lot crashing down. I should add that even with great care in laying out the cables etc its amazing how folk will still manage to get caught up.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 23, 2017, 06:21 PM:

I admit that far more of the tapered legged versions (like those we associate with heavy 16mm apparatus such as those seen at the cinesea events etc etc), provide an even sturdier foundation for any machine, but for me in the room i have, storage of such an item would be an issue and it would not be as as quick and easy a practice to get quickly set up for a show just in the home.

For exhibition / hall use though,where an audience is present and unpredictable behaviours for sure have to be foreseen, than the tall and tapered leg varieties will offer greater security and protection of your equipment when used out in the "field" so to speak.

Posted by Bernard C. G. Pritchard (Member # 631) on September 28, 2017, 08:53 AM:

Thank you, all, for some very helpful and informed advice, as ever!

For a bit more context, my 'Cinema' is situated in a converted loft area, the screen being the further, white-painted wall. It is a comfortable, carpeted space, housing a fair few collectables and objets d'art. The audience sit on cushions on the floor, while I hog the superior seat alongside the projector. My dear wife very kindly obtained this seat for me nearly thirty years ago, when the superb old 1931 Victoria Cinema in Cambridge had closed. She was shopping at the market there, when she noticed the seats being loaded onto a lorry, and on enquiry was given it! (How she carried this with young child and shopping back to the car, I just don't know; I think it's called love!) The throne in question retains its original gold paint, but the back, folding seat and arms are upholstered in a 1960s-looking brown/ginger fabric. I often wonder who shared this seat over the years, and the many films shown before it! By the way, the Cinema's façade was preserved, though its interior has since housed a Marks and Spencer food shop; just part of the steady deterioration of this City that has still not finished.

Anyway, one of the other issues in considering a better projector stand is that the access to the loft space is by a two-section retractable aluminium ladder. However, whilst it retracts somewhat (just enough to miss the tops of heads for those passing along the landing corridor beneath), it doesn't actually fully fold back into the loft, without first moving the four-legged stand, so a flat base and single column would avoid this.

Another consideration was that I wanted to employ a stand that provided greater height, to allow the projector lens to project a more level beam, giving a truer, more evenly focussed image.

Thank you, Maurice, for details of that vintage stand that I really admire (though somewhat of a restoration project). It would be well-placed within our home where there are few items later than 1950!

Graham, I like your recommendation of a special custom job too, but with all advice in mind, I bit the bullet and have ordered and set up this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PFS066-Projector- Trolley-Floor-Stand-Laptop-DVD-Tray-/371526421824?hash=item5680b34d40:g:QkkAAOxy2d9SZVRT

It is a very strong, stable, neat affair, and I've set the height of the platform to about 50" - a big improvement on the previous 43" stand. (With the 1:1 lens, the maximum picture size measures around a comfortable 64" x 46".)

I did not fit the wheels (to provide greater stability), and the column features slots at the base and top through which the mains and audio lead can be threaded, and thus hidden - a much neater look. It's all made of strong stuff, though I'll make a further top platform from wood to reinforce the present steel one. I might add some struts too, to strengthen the column's connection to the base.

So, apologies if I've gone on too much; thank you again for all your kind help, and happy cinematographic entertaining to all!

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on October 19, 2017, 12:54 PM:

Hoping by now Bernard has got his projector stand [Smile]

Yesterday at a junk store I came across this stand with heavy duty clamps thinking this might come in handy one day bought it.

So after a clean this is what I found I could do with it...

Projector up......

projector down...good range of height..

I guess this is what its really for....anyway you could also use it for giving your farewell speech to your boss [Big Grin]

Or use it for drinks and eats when watching a movie...very multi-purpose dont you think? [Wink]

You just never know what you might find in junk shops..

Posted by Rob Young. (Member # 131) on October 19, 2017, 01:36 PM:

If it is permanent, look toward high quality stands designed for expensive hi-fi equipment.

They will not be cheap, but will be rock solid.

Also, the shelves will often have dampening designed to reduce vibration back to components such as a turntable, but also do a fantastic job of isolation projector mechanical sound.

Eg;

http://www.apollohifi.co.uk/k/about-us/About+Us

But speak to specialist hi-fi dealers about your requirements.

They may be surprised to hear you need a super 8 projector on top, but good dealers will listen and be helpful.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on October 19, 2017, 04:15 PM:

I must admit to only using a basic two tier projector stand for the elmo and the eki nt1. I do need to get someting bigger and stronger

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