8mm Forum: The first Super 8 projector?

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Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on August 11, 2018, 01:30 PM:

I'm not certain but I presume it must have been Kodak and I've seen a reference to the first being a Kodak Instamatic M55-L. They are not hard to find and here's one of the ones currently on eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Kodak-INSTAMATIC-M55-L-8mm-Cine-Projector-Working/253808338245?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D52945%26meid%3D7f3a03

I'd quite like to obtain one and I wondered if anyone knows what lamps they use and whether they are readily available and don't cost a fortune? And would films go through a well-maintained one unscathed? Any info much appreciated.

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on August 11, 2018, 02:00 PM:

It likely takes either a DFN, DFE, or DFC. They will cost between 50 and 70 dollars.

Posted by Will Trenfield (Member # 5321) on August 11, 2018, 02:44 PM:

According to the Super 8 database, it uses a 150W 120V DFC bulb.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 11, 2018, 03:01 PM:

https://www.lightbulbs-online.co.uk/products/a1-24-125v-150watt-g17q-base-projector-lamp-dfn
I believe it only takes 200ft spools.
Why not go for a Eumig Mark M Super 8 model? When new they were twice the price, £59 as opposed to £28, but look at the much cheaper lamps, and 400ft spool capacity.

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on August 11, 2018, 03:44 PM:

Maurice, the way I read him, Adrian is interested in getting the first produced Super 8mm projector.

Posted by Will Trenfield (Member # 5321) on August 11, 2018, 05:49 PM:

The Kodak Instamatic M55-L was made in the US but assembled in the UK and operated on 220-240 volts. The M50 though was made in the US and ran on 110-125 volts. This could be the first Super 8 projector. This comes from the Super 8 database which I've read can be inaccurate.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on August 11, 2018, 07:16 PM:

Many thanks for the helpful replies.

Barry is broadly correct; I'm considering getting a M55-L because of its historic significance and 'primitive charm', so the usual considerations regarding seeking the best attributes wouldn't apply in this instance.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on August 12, 2018, 01:51 PM:

I have the Kodak M2: the very first Super-8 Camera.

Dead as a brick but nice up on my shelf!

Posted by Guy Taylor, Jr. (Member # 786) on August 12, 2018, 05:16 PM:

Super 8 will never catch on. I'm sticking to regular 8.

Posted by Will Trenfield (Member # 5321) on August 12, 2018, 06:33 PM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McDMdfM57Lg

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