posted June 05, 2007 03:39 AM
Hello, I'm quit new to the super 8 things. Now I've got an Elmo ST 1200 D in my possession. I have been looking around the internet, and it seems that it has quite some value... I've seen prices from 100 euros to 350-390 euros. (I've been able to buy it for an apple and an egg, as we say around here)
Can someone tell me what is the value of this nice thingie?
posted June 05, 2007 07:21 AM
Hi Inge, Welcome to the the forum.
The value of any projector really depends on condition as well as model. Every projector has its wear points and the the elmos wear in a particular way especially on some of the green guides. Also the condition of the outside matters as well in scratches and paint chips. A near mint ST1200 D could go for around 450 euros.
Also bear in mind that the HD model with twin track is more desirable and worth more. The later the manufacturing date the better.
posted June 05, 2007 07:33 AM
Thank you for your reply.
I must say that it looks nice from the outside. No scratches. But how do I see if the inside is still good? Is playing a film enough to check its inner condition? Or are there other things I should look at?
All Elmo projectors (i think), including the ST1200, allow you to see the film path and sprockets inside by opening the front cover via a hinge at the bottom. Where the airvent is below the handle, pull this towards you and the whole front cover will tilt on a hinge. It should be pretty easy. You can then see how clean it is inside the film path area. To get to the innards of the gate, pull the lenz towards you as this is also on a hinge on the left. Check the back plate is nice and smooth and the rivets are recessed okay and untouched. On my first ST these were damaged and was scratching the film. Check the green guides do not have much wear on them. You can run a film through it with the cover open and check the loops are ok.
To check the inner workings at the rear, unscrew the back cover via 2 posidrive screws on either side. Have a look to see how clean it is and if the belts are in good condition. Also check to see if there is rubber around the shutter wheel, but thats another problem which has been covered many times on this forum. This can easily melt with the heat from the bulb and become a nightmare. Best if its removed.
Just dont run a new £200 feature through it until you are sure the projector is ok and not scratching.
Posts: 3216
From: The Projection Box
Registered: Nov 2006
posted June 05, 2007 12:40 PM
Yes its worth checking if your machine scratches the film. Make a small loop of film and splice the ends together. Remove the lamp to save use and let the machine run the loop of film for an hour. Switch off and fit the lamp again to see if the film has been scratched.
I used to do this with even new projectors years ago to make sure all was OK and did send back new a Sankyo 800 stereo back as it was causing scratches. They sent me another which was fine and I still use this 800 model.
Gray is right. Better check the projector before spoiling your fave flick.
posted June 10, 2007 06:04 AM
Thank you for all the information and help. I'm having exams at school for the moment so I'll just have to wait a few weeks till I can try the directions. Let's hope it works.