8mm Forum: Bolex SM8

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Posted by Graham Hayward (Member # 7002) on June 17, 2019, 07:57 AM:

Hello, new to the forum and looking for help. I purchased what looks like a newer (newer than mine) Bolex SM8 and I'll be using my older machine as backup and or parts. I've purchased belts for the newer one and was getting ready to put them on when I noticed the front drive mechanism had no belt guide like my other machine.

It's puzzling to say the least and I was wondering if anyone had some insight as to my next move. The photos show the entire inside of the newer machine, the other two are showing one photo of the older projector with the guide and one photo of the newer projector without.

It doesn't appear to have been removed, but I don't know. The newer rig appears to have barely if ever been used and arrived inside its original box. I'm puzzled, thanks for any help you all can lend. Photos are below, thanks again.
Graham

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on June 17, 2019, 10:37 AM:

Graham
Van Eck's site on the SM8 projector says: - "This projector has two different models".
https://van-eck.net/itable.php?lang=en&size=0&cat=film&merk=20&type=SM8

Posted by Graham Hayward (Member # 7002) on June 17, 2019, 03:07 PM:

Hello Maurice, I think I was on that site, but couldn't find any info about the belt differential, I did think there may be two models and I've the newer. The issue then rests with what type of drive belt I use. I've replaced two, but now I'm stuck. Thanks for your help.
Graham

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on June 18, 2019, 02:40 AM:

Graham
You could contact Bolex in Switzerland who are still in business.
https://www.bolex.ch/NEW/index.php
Here are some details on your SM8.
http://www.bolexcollector.com/projectors/sm8.html

Posted by Graham Hayward (Member # 7002) on June 18, 2019, 07:21 AM:

Hello Maurice,
Thank you, I'll check out these options.
Graham

Posted by Graham Hayward (Member # 7002) on June 25, 2019, 03:05 PM:

Well, I've not heard back from Bolex yet, I'm not holding out much hope, but it just seems strange it's not more apparent to me as I look at the machine. The original belts had rotted off, but there was only a little residue left from one of them.

I replaced the belts in my older Bolex, but it was pretty self explanatory as to where they were to be placed. I've put two on, but I'm not sure what to do with the last one. I was hoping maybe it only took two belts, but I'd also assume there would be specifications relating to this when ordering the new ones.

Anyway, maybe Bolex will come through.

Posted by Graham Hayward (Member # 7002) on July 05, 2019, 02:10 PM:

Update:
After looking into the configuration a bit more, I noticed the inside (middle) nylon gear had a channel for a belt on the other side of it. I also noticed a small belt guide not far from it, so essentially all they did was reroute the belt to work alongside the middle belt, but on the other side.
Problem solved, thanks.
Graham

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