Posts: 405
From: Suffolk. England
Registered: Apr 2004
posted October 03, 2019 02:33 AM
His feedback is 100% and it has a 2 week return. Its not far from me either! Might have been tempted but not at that price.
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
posted October 03, 2019 02:40 AM
I have two Beaulieu 708ELs, a capstan drive double track, and a stereo. Both had spool spindle problems when received. As members know they are designed to take spools with a capacity of 2200ft, in order they do not "wobble" when running the spools are a very tight fit on their spindles.
Some spools are too tight a fit and owners may not be aware and try to force them on. The spools are kept on by three small plastic retainers, shaped to spring down when the spool enters, and then spring up when it's in position.
They are a very poor design, and over the years one or more of the retainers snaps off. This had happened to mine. Van Eck supply replacements, but at a price.
Beaulieu obviously were aware of the problem, and when later models were introduced they had turn-over keys for spool retention. When Wittner bought up all the Beaulieu spares these replacements soon sold out.
My recommendation to anyone buying an expensive Beaulieu 708 is to see it first before purchase.
I think the cost for this part is still very reasonable indeed.
One thing to notice though, is that despite Van Eck's valiant efforts, the back of this part relies upon pushing against a washer (on later Beaulieu versions a leather washer).
This is a poor design by Beaulieu, although the washer can be replaced, but anything other than a very smooth finish will wear away at that washer...
Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003
posted October 07, 2019 06:11 AM
Yes, indeed a shame Maurice.
I do love Beaulieu design. That said, it is as though they set out to overcome all of the common problems with super 8, came up with a beautifully engineered machine...and then they realised they needed a feed and take-up assembly, so they gave those parts to Fred the Janitor to knock up a design...
Posts: 447
From: Berlin, Germany
Registered: Jan 2010
posted October 12, 2019 05:27 AM
Yes, indeed: the plastic reel holders are kind of a desaster, but the Beaulieu 708 is a perfect machine. Great design, great technology, steady picture and booming sound; I don’t wanna miss it!
Posts: 4486
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jun 2013
posted October 12, 2019 07:28 PM
Marcel Beaulieu worked indeed for Continsouza who manufactured several cameras for Pathé (including the Pathé Baby one), Continsouza was Pathé's main shareholder. He also worked for Gaumont (on the first 35 mm sound projectors). During the war, he designed his first own camera (he designed several models before) and it was a success when he manufactured it in 1947 (for the ETM company). He started to work for himself in 1951. Marcel Beaulieu died in 1985 (but his son was the general manager since 1978). Beaulieu closed in 1983 but was took over the next year and survived during 10 more years.
Posts: 4837
From: Plymouth U.K
Registered: Dec 2003
posted October 16, 2019 01:15 AM
As for this beaulie projector, i would love to own this model to go with my own collection but for me i feel they are a little to technical and if they go wrong and you can sort it yourself your in trouble.I have seen the prices wittners are asking and i think its a joke. £250 for the rubber sound drum!!!
[ October 16, 2019, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Douglas Meltzer ]